NEW DELHI – Leaders of the BRICS group of emerging economies have achieved a crucial consensus on a joint declaration at their 2026 summit in New Delhi. The "New Delhi Declaration," expected to be formally approved later today at Bharat Mandapam, will establish the collective agenda and future direction for the expanded 11-member bloc.
Diplomatic Breakthrough Amidst Divisions
The agreement follows intense behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts to reconcile differing positions among member states. Negotiators worked tirelessly to bridge deep divisions, particularly addressing regional tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, ensuring a unified document could be presented to the heads of state.
Sources indicate that the compromise declaration includes an explicit condemnation of unilateral warfare, carefully worded to maintain balance among member states with diverse geopolitical alignments, without singling out any specific country.
India's Chairship and Summit Focus
Hosted by India under its 2026 chairship, the two-day summit operates under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." This gathering is seen as a critical test for the bloc’s expansion, which now includes nations like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
Beyond geopolitical considerations, discussions over the weekend have centered on strengthening vital areas such as trade, energy security, and supply chain resilience. Leaders also explored enhanced cooperation in high technology sectors and the development of new cross-border payment mechanisms. The formal adoption of the New Delhi Declaration is anticipated to provide a clear roadmap for these collaborative efforts, shaping the bloc's trajectory in the coming years.