New Delhi: The national capital, Delhi, was abuzz with activity on September 12, hosting numerous foreign dignitaries. On the first day of the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, India achieved what had seemed nearly impossible for months: all participating nations, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026.
At the conclusion of the summit’s first day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that the declaration provides a constructive direction for the shared resolve of member nations, noting that it represents more than just a symbolic victory on paper. Today marks the second day of the BRICS Summit, which promises to be pivotal; the eyes of the world are fixed on this event. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the distinguished guests hosted by India.
PM Modi coins a key slogan in his welcome address.
The BRICS Summit commenced with a group photo of the leaders and a tree-planting ceremony. During his welcome address, PM Modi coined a significant slogan: shifting from rule-takers” to rule-shapers. He emphasised that outdated institutions cannot govern a changing world and that reform is essential.
Furthermore, PM Modi proposed that BRICS nations collaboratively draft ten proposals for global governance reform, which could then be integrated into a “BRICS Reform Roadmap.” He also highlighted the “BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism,” ensuring that decisions made by the bloc continue to be executed even as the presidency rotates annually—a process facilitated by the “Troika” arrangement.
Support for India in the UNSC
Notably, the New Delhi Declaration adopted on the first day of the 18th BRICS Summit explicitly records China and Russia reiterating their support for a greater role for India and Brazil in the UN Security Council. While not a new stance, reaffirming this commitment within the context of an expanded BRICS marks a significant diplomatic victory for India. Furthermore, the declaration condemns the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in the “strongest possible terms”; 26 people lost their lives in that incident. It advocates for a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of terrorism, cross-border terrorist activities, terror financing, and safe havens. Double standards regarding terrorism have also been rejected. This statement holds great significance for India.
Concern Expressed Over Tariffs
The declaration expresses serious concern regarding unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures. It notes that such measures distort trade, jeopardise supply chains, and create uncertainty in global economic activity. Demands were also made for WTO reforms and the restoration of the dispute settlement mechanism.
This serves as a stern message to countries that are weaponising tariffs. Major focus on MSMEs and startups: Under India’s presidency, MSMEs were made a key priority. The first BRICS MSME Forum was held in Agartala, and the report titled ‘Advancing MSME Competitiveness in BRICS’ was released. The declaration also includes a work plan to facilitate easier access to trade finance for MSMEs.
