New Delhi- The BRICS summit of member countries began in New Delhi on Saturday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi amid a grand ceremony.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, among other high-level leaders, are participating in the summit. BRICS currently has 11 member countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
BRICS has positioned itself as a useful platform for consultation and cooperation on contemporary issues of global and regional importance, as well as matters related to global political and economic governance.
What Is in the New Delhi Declaration?
In their joint declaration issued at the BRICS Summit, member states reiterated their commitment to resolving international disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.
The declaration emphasized the need for a multilateral approach to major global issues while taking into account the differing views and circumstances of member countries. The New Delhi Declaration expressed concern over the growing risks of nuclear threats and conflicts and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of international disputes.
Key Points of the Declaration
Opposition to Unilateral Measures:
BRICS opposed unilateral coercive measures that are inconsistent with international law. The group said unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist measures, including carbon border adjustment mechanisms, are not consistent with international law.
According to BRICS, such measures could undermine efforts, particularly by developing countries, to address the adverse impacts of climate change and strengthen their adaptation capacity and resilience.
Cross-Border Payments:
BRICS called for continued discussions to explore practical solutions to facilitate cross-border payments among member countries.
The declaration welcomed the studies and work being carried out by the BRICS Payments Task Force (BPTF) toward developing an efficient cross-border payment system.
Member states said discussions were continuing on the potential for increasing trade and investment using local currencies within BRICS. The declaration also noted that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all countries and that national priorities should be respected.
The BPTF was encouraged to advance discussions aimed at making cross-border payment systems faster, lower-cost, more accessible, efficient, transparent and secure.
Nuclear Risks:
BRICS leaders expressed concern over the growing risks of nuclear threats and conflicts. They stressed the need to make systems for disarmament, arms control and nuclear non-proliferation more effective in order to promote global stability, international peace and security.
BRICS also reiterated its support for and respect for all existing nuclear-weapon-free zones, saying such zones make an important contribution to strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime.
Multilateral Approach:
BRICS emphasized the importance of adopting a multilateral approach to major global issues while respecting the national perspectives and circumstances of different countries.
Diplomacy Over Conflict:
The declaration reiterated the commitment to resolving international disputes peacefully through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.
Condemnation of Terrorist Activities:
BRICS strongly condemned terrorist activities regardless of their purpose, location or the person or group responsible.
The declaration strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, in which 26 people were killed and many others injured.
Expressing a commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, BRICS stressed the need to prevent cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorist financing and the provision of safe havens to terrorists.
The group also emphasized that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. It said all those involved in terrorist activities, as well as those who support them, should be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international laws.
