Leaders meeting in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit adopted a joint declaration on September 13, 2026 that underscored emerging divisions amid global conflicts. The New Delhi Declaration called for restraint in the Middle East while avoiding direct condemnation of U.S.-Israeli strikes or Iran’s actions in the region. Simultaneously, it criticised the global trade war without mentioning the United States.
**BRICS at a Crossroads: Membership and Global Influence**
BRICS now includes 11 nations: the original four—Brazil, Russia, India, China—joined later by South Africa, and most recently expanded to encompass Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. Together, these countries represent nearly half of the world’s people and about 40% of global GDP. Their growing ambition centers on reshaping institutions like the IMF, the World Bank, and the WTO, which have long been perceived as led by Western powers.
**Middle East Conflict: Cautious Language, Hidden Fault Lines**
The declaration expressed “deep concern over continued escalation of tensions” in the Middle East, urging all sides to display “maximum restraint.” It stopped short of condemning any party—whether the U.S., Israel, Iran or Gulf nations—while denouncing actions that might further destabilise the region. China’s President Xi Jinping called for a political resolution and comprehensive ceasefire, saying the war “does not serve the common interests of the international community.” India’s role in mediating between Iran and the UAE was pivotal in getting a consensual declaration adopted despite their opposing positions.
**Ukraine and Sanctions: Words Over Blame**
On Ukraine, the group refrained from naming Russia outright. The statement urged that international disputes be resolved through dialogue, and rejected unilateral sanctions imposed without the backing of the UN Security Council. These positions are crucial for Russia—facing sweeping Western sanctions since its 2022 invasion—as well as for India, which continues to import Russian crude despite U.S-Israel tensions affecting global oil flows.
**Firm Support for Palestinians**
BRICS took a strongly worded stand regarding Palestine. They condemned the forced displacement of Palestinians and attempts to alter the geography or demography of occupied Palestinian territories. The bloc demanded an end to the war in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian access, backing for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), and full UN membership for Palestine. A two-state solution based on the 1967 borders was reaffirmed, with East Jerusalem declared Palestine’s capital.
**Trade Tensions and Criticism of Tariffs**
The summit’s declaration flagged concern about “unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures” disrupting global trade. It condemned sanctions not authorised by the UNSC. Individual countries like China, Russia, and India have faced U.S. tariffs, with India reducing its imports of Russian oil after facing punitive levies. President Vladimir Putin accused developed powers of using economic coercion—tariffs, sanctions, brute force—to limit emerging competitors. Meanwhile, the bloc called for cooperation to secure trade, supply chains, maritime safety, and energy flows, citing disruption from ongoing conflicts.
**Toward a Multipolar Order**
BRICS reiterated its commitment to multilateralism and a multipolar world. The leaders described it as a system that offers greater chance for emerging markets to flourish and benefit from fair, inclusive global economic cooperation. Putin urged for enhanced representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America on the United Nations Security Council. Chinese and Indian leaders echoed calls to build a more equitable international order. Modi said the Global South should stop being “rule-takers” and become “rule-shapers,” while Xi stressed that justice and fairness should guide world order.
**India’s Diplomatic Tightrope**
Prime Minister Narendra Modi positioned India’s leadership as pivotal. He emphasised that BRICS is not against any country: “We are not against anyone; rather, we strive to move forward with the approach of taking everyone along.” His message sought to distance the bloc from anti-Western narratives while underscoring the South’s ambition to influence global norms.
**Conclusion: Balancing Unity and Conflict**
The New Delhi Declaration illustrates the tightrope BRICS walks. The group preserved consensus through cautious and generalised language despite deep-seated disagreements, especially over Middle Eastern conflicts and sanctions. It shows effectiveness in promoting shared principles, yet highlights its limitations when demands for accountability clash with the divergent interests of member states.
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