BRICS Summit Ends With New Delhi Declaration on Global Reform

The 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi under the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. Led by Narendra Modi, the summit resulted in the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, which calls for reforms in the United Nations, IMF, World Bank, and WTO to increase representation for emerging markets and developing countries.

The declaration reflects a strategic balance in foreign policy, omitting references to the conflict in Ukraine due to Russian objections and the requirement for member consensus. However, the document included a strong condemnation of Israel, referencing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and supporting a two-state solution.

Under the chairship of the Government of India, which managed over 400 meetings across 30 cities, the summit focused on the Global South, digital inclusion, and the Economic Partnership Strategy 2030. While member states emphasized cross-border payments using local currencies, India remained cautious about establishing a permanent BRICS payment system to prevent the currency of China from gaining undue influence. Member leaders commended India for its stewardship in building consensus among nations with differing political and economic systems.