BRICS Adopt New Delhi Declaration Calling for Conflict Resolution, Multilateralism, and Fair Trade

The 45-page New Delhi Declaration was adopted on Saturday, the first day of the BRICS leaders’ annual summit, calling for conflict prevention, stronger multilateral ties, and the condemnation of terrorism and unilateral trade measures.

The declaration also expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, urging maximum restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.

The New Delhi Declaration 2026 was adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit, held in India over two days. The summit brought together Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside partner countries such as Nigeria. Collectively, these nations account for approximately 40% of the world’s GDP and nearly half of the global population.

Following intensive negotiations, which included efforts to resolve tensions between the UAE and Iran regarding the Middle East conflict, the declaration was adopted unanimously. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “No member has raised any objection. The New Delhi Declaration 2026 is adopted unanimously.”

The declaration emphasized the necessity of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, opposing actions that could threaten nuclear safety, and urged settling disputes through diplomatic dialogue rather than military escalation.

“We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East… call for exercising maximum restraint… avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation,” the declaration stated.

In addition to geopolitical concerns, the BRICS nations criticized the increasing use of unilateral tariffs and non-tariff barriers, arguing that they distort international trade and harm developing economies. “We condemn the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law,” the declaration noted, calling for the elimination of such tariffs as they undermine the UN Charter and international law.

The BRICS countries also declared their support for cross-border payments and trade settlements using member countries’ local currencies. They also pointed out that creating a BRICS Payment Task Force (BPTF) will help identify practical ways to make payments between BRICS countries easier and faster.

It will also help BRICS states be less dependent on existing international payment systems.

On the sidelines of the summit, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the multilateral trading system. During a meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized that no nation can prosper in isolation, noting that migration remains a key driver of innovation and historical development. He is scheduled to present Nigeria’s partnership and foreign investment opportunities to BRICS leaders during the summit.

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