NEW DELHI: BRICS leaders have adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th BRICS Summit, reaffirming their commitment to a more representative global order, stronger multilateralism and deeper cooperation among emerging markets and developing economies.

The summit was held in New Delhi from September 12 to 13 under India’s 2026 chairship with the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. Leaders commended India’s chairship and noted that more than 400 meetings and engagements involving ministers, parliamentarians, officials, experts, businesses and people were organised across 30 Indian cities.

A key focus of the declaration was reform of global governance. BRICS leaders called for greater and more meaningful participation of emerging markets and developing countries in global decision-making institutions, including the United Nations and international financial institutions. They also reiterated support for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council and backed the aspirations of Brazil and India for a greater role in the UN system.

The declaration placed the Global South at the centre of BRICS’ vision for a more equitable international system. Leaders said developing countries should strengthen dialogue and cooperation to address geopolitical tensions, economic disruptions, technological changes, protectionism, migration and climate change.

On the economic front, BRICS leaders called for reforms of the Bretton Woods institutions and greater representation of emerging and developing economies in the IMF and World Bank. They also supported efforts to strengthen the multilateral trading system and expressed concern over unilateral tariffs and other trade-restrictive measures that could disrupt global supply chains.

The declaration also highlighted efforts to strengthen cross-border payments among BRICS countries, including through greater interoperability of payment and messaging systems and the use of local currencies, while recognising that there would be no one-size-fits-all approach.

Technology and artificial intelligence emerged as another major area of cooperation. BRICS leaders recognised AI’s potential to drive economic growth and sustainable development, while stressing the need for safe, secure, inclusive, reliable and trustworthy AI. They also highlighted cooperation on AI and the green economy, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity and responsible use of information and communication technologies.

The declaration further outlined cooperation in science, technology and innovation, including Industry 4.0, quantum technologies, advanced digital production, research infrastructure and submarine cable connectivity. India’s chairship was also commended for initiatives aimed at strengthening innovation and industrial cooperation, including the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies and the SME Forum in Agra.

On security issues, BRICS leaders called for dialogue, diplomacy and preventive action to address international conflicts. The declaration expressed concern over escalating tensions in West Asia and called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. It also reiterated opposition to terrorism in all its forms and called for stronger cooperation against terrorism financing, cross-border movement of terrorists and extremist radicalisation.

The leaders also expressed concern over organised scam networks, cross-border fraud, money laundering and the misuse of digital technologies, calling for stronger cooperation among law enforcement, financial intelligence and regulatory agencies to disrupt such networks.

Health, food security, energy and climate resilience also featured prominently in the declaration. BRICS countries welcomed initiatives on digital healthcare, disease surveillance, early-warning systems, mental health and traditional medicine. They also backed greater cooperation on agriculture, food security, critical minerals, resilient energy systems and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The declaration welcomed the growing role of the New Development Bank in financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and the Global South. It also noted the launch of the BRICS-NDB Knowledge Portal under India’s chairship to facilitate the sharing of development experiences, best practices and policy innovations.

The New Delhi Declaration comes as BRICS marks its 20th anniversary and underlines the grouping’s ambition to strengthen its role as a platform for cooperation among emerging economies, while advocating greater representation of the Global South in global governance.