New Delhi: The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12–13, ended with a broad agreement to strengthen economic cooperation, promote peace and give developing countries a greater voice in global institutions. The summit brought together the expanded 11-member BRICS grouping under India’s theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The New Delhi Declaration called for stronger trade using local currencies, improved cross-border payment systems, cooperation in artificial intelligence, food and energy security, climate action and public health. Leaders also criticised unilateral sanctions and tariff barriers and backed reforms of the United Nations, including a larger role for developing countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and the risks of weaponising technology and critical minerals. He also announced a BRICS early-warning system for infectious diseases and urged members to turn summit commitments into practical action.
Chinese President Xi Jinping pushed for deeper economic and technological cooperation, including greater collaboration on AI, trade and finance. China also proposed initiatives such as a BRICS AI Open Source Zone and a Service Trade Forum.
Russian President Vladimir Putin backed closer India-Russia economic and strategic cooperation. During his meeting with Modi, both sides discussed trade, energy, infrastructure and other areas, while reiterating support for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
The summit also addressed the Middle East crisis, with members expressing concern over escalating violence and calling for de-escalation. A joint position was reached despite differences among members, including Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
India handed the BRICS chairmanship to China for 2027, with members praising New Delhi’s leadership and agreeing to continue efforts toward a more representative and multipolar global order.
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