Resilience and Rules: Inside the 140-Point New Delhi Declaration Adopted at the BRICS Summit

Jyoti Rathi - Kolkata Bureau Sep 13, 2026 1,600 Views

The 18th BRICS Summit concluded with the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, establishing a unified stance on counter-terrorism, tariff protectionism, and UN reforms. The 140-point framework underscores the growing diplomatic and economic weight of the Global South on the international stage.

The 18th BRICS Summit concludes with a comprehensive 140-point framework addressing global security, trade protectionism, and digital governance.

The 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi on September 13, 2026, with member nations unanimously adopting the ambitious New Delhi Declaration. Guided by the overarching theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", the expanded bloc tackled deep-seated geopolitical divisions to finalize positions on cross-border terrorism, international trade barriers, artificial intelligence governance, and United Nations structural reforms. The consensus document serves as a major policy roadmap for emerging markets and developing countries navigating shifting global economic currents.

Counter-Terrorism and Institutional Reforms

In a notable diplomatic milestone for New Delhi, the 140-point declaration issued an unequivocal condemnation of global terrorism. The text explicitly denounced the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities. Member states emphasized zero tolerance for cross-border terror networks, financial safe havens, and associated illicit money flows.

According to official summit proceedings and diplomatic briefings released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the declaration also advanced long-standing governance demands. Permanent UN Security Council members China and Russia reiterated formal backing for the aspirations of India and Brazil to secure expanded roles within a reformed, more representative United Nations Security Council.

Trade Resistance, Tariffs, and Technological Governance

Economic cooperation featured heavily in negotiations, with leaders expressing serious concern over the proliferation of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The declaration opposed protectionist trade policies masked as environmental safeguards—such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms—while pushing for local-currency settlements to fortify financial independence across member states.

According to policy updates and economic statements compiled by The Hindu Business Line and the Press Trust of India (PTI), the grouping also established clear frameworks for artificial intelligence. Emphasizing inclusive, reliable, and trustworthy AI systems, the text builds upon India's ongoing digital initiatives to ensure that technological advancements directly benefit the Global South.

"According to officials, the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration reflects the collective resolve of emerging economies to shape global governance, safeguard multilateral trade, and eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms."

Key Facts at a Glance

Comprehensive Consensus: The 45-page, 140-point New Delhi Declaration was adopted unanimously at the 18th BRICS Summit.
Counter-Terrorism Stance: The document explicitly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam attack and emphasized zero tolerance for cross-border terror.
Trade Pushback: Member nations criticized unilateral tariffs and trade measures that bypass WTO frameworks.
UN Reform Support: China and Russia reaffirmed their backing for India and Brazil's inclusion as permanent members in a reformed UN Security Council.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the core theme of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi? The summit was organized under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability".
How did the declaration address international trade disputes? It condemned unilateral tariffs, trade distortions, and protectionist measures disguised as environmental regulations.
What specific terrorist incident was highlighted in the joint statement? The declaration strongly condemned the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Where can official summit documents and full text releases be accessed? Complete policy declarations are hosted on the official portal of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Government of India Press Information Bureau.