Despite unusually stark divisions among its members, the summit managed to produce a joint declaration.
Meetings between Brics ministers failed twice earlier this year to reach a joint statement. This time, members secured a consensus by avoiding their most contentious disagreements and offering few concrete solutions.
The New Delhi Declaration was adopted on the summit’s first day, but its silence on several major issues is as notable as its language.
On the war in the Middle East, the declaration calls for “maximum restraint”. It also condemns “attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities”, without assigning responsibility.
It reaffirms support for a two-state solution and opposes the forced displacement of Palestinians or measures that could “legitimise or prolong occupation”, framing its position around existing UN resolutions.
The declaration makes no mention of Russia’s war in Ukraine, marking a departure from previous Brics statements.
It is similarly cautious on trade. While it raises concerns over “indiscriminate rising tariffs” and condemns unilateral sanctions, it avoids naming the United States, likely to keep Washington from retaliating.
Several Brics members would have been reluctant to provoke President Donald Trump, who has previously dismissed the group’s proposals—including the possible linking of central-bank digital currencies for cross-border trade—as “anti-American”.
Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said the declaration’s refusal to identify any country, despite condemning the conflict in the Middle East, reflected India’s diplomatic approach.
He said he was pleasantly surprised by the strong reference to tariffs, suggesting that India may have seized the opportunity to signal its displeasure.