The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi on 12-13 September 2026, concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi BRICS Leaders’ Declaration, reaffirming the grouping’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries and advancing a more representative, equitable and inclusive international order.
Held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the Summit brought together BRICS leaders at a time of significant geopolitical and economic challenges. The Declaration sets out the shared priorities and direction for BRICS cooperation, covering global governance, peace and security, trade, sustainable development, food and energy security, health, technology and climate change.
In his remarks at the Summit, Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, underlined the need to strengthen the voice and representation of the Global South in global decision-making. He observed that countries of the Global South are often at the forefront of global crises while remaining under-represented in institutions where key decisions are taken.
He called for transforming the existing “pyramid of privilege” into a “platform of partnership” and emphasised that global governance must reflect contemporary realities, including through greater representation of developing countries in institutions such as the United Nations Security Council.
Prime Minister Modi also stressed the need for the Global South to move from being a “rule-taker” to a “rule-shaper”. He underscored that, as the future is shared, the right to shape that future must also be shared; moving from voice to impact and from privilege to partnership.
Strengthening the voice of the Global South was a major focus of the New Delhi Summit. BRICS leaders reiterated their support for reform of the United Nations and international financial institutions to ensure greater representation of emerging markets and developing countries, commensurate with their growing economic and demographic significance.
The Declaration also underscored the importance of greater participation by Least Developed Countries, particularly from Africa, in global decision-making processes. The Summit also addressed a range of practical development priorities, including food and energy security, agriculture, health, climate change, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, trade and sustainable development.
India emphasized the importance of technology and innovation as instruments for inclusive growth and improving the quality of life, particularly across developing economies.
Food security and resilient agriculture featured prominently in the cooperation agenda. India advanced initiatives relating to digital agriculture, agroecology, regenerative agriculture and agricultural inputs, recognizing the importance of resilient and sustainable food systems for long-term development.
On international peace and security, BRICS leaders reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, consultation and diplomacy in resolving disputes. The New Delhi Declaration called for restraint amid heightened tensions in West Asia and stressed the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Leaders also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Sudan and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
On terrorism, BRICS leaders reiterated their strong and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens.
They condemned the 22 April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured.
The New Delhi Summit thus marked an important milestone in shaping the future direction of BRICS. India’s approach seeks to strengthen BRICS as a platform for practical cooperation among developing countries and for advancing the shared interests and aspirations of the Global South.
Under India’s Chairship, the grouping has sought to place development, resilience and the well-being of people at the center of its agenda, while contributing to a more representative, balanced and inclusive international order.
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