BRICS Leaders Adopt New Delhi Declaration Amidst Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Pledges

The 2026 summit occurred at the Bharat Mandapam complex in New Delhi from September 12 through September 13, 2026. The summit followed a failed attempt by foreign ministers to reach a joint statement in May 2026, highlighting the bloc's internal challenges. During the event, leaders successfully finalized a joint declaration calling for de-escalation in the Middle East and peaceful resolution of border disputes, including those between India and China. Discussions focused on promoting fair competition, sustainable energy transitions, and the weaponization of critical minerals.

Amidst these talks, members addressed the global financial landscape, with leaders advocating for increased use of local currencies to reduce reliance on the US dollar, despite warnings of potential tariffs from the United States. While the bloc reached an $11.5 billion agreement for an aluminium project in Odisha, the summit remained marked by internal divisions regarding ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a 10-point roadmap for global governance reform, and the group formally expressed support for comprehensive United Nations reforms, including the Security Council. China is set to assume the bloc chair in 2027.

1. The summit resulted in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026 by consensus. This document outlines the group's collective stance on sustainable energy transitions and fair competition.

2. The International Holding Company of the United Arab Emirates announced an $11.5 billion investment in a greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, India. This project ranks among the largest single foreign investments disclosed at the summit. It represents a direct result of business-focused discussions held during the event.

3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a 10-point roadmap for global governance reform. The plan outlines a structured approach to international institutional changes before the next summit. This initiative addresses concerns regarding the current global order.

4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on September 12, 2026. They discussed border disputes and diplomatic relations. The meeting aimed to manage tensions between the two largest economies in the bloc.

1. Al Jazeera reported on May 22, 2024, that summit participants disagreed on the wars in Iran and Ukraine. This lack of a unified position complicates the group's diplomatic goals.

2. Police detained members of the Tibetan Youth Congress on September 12, 2026. The group protested against Chinese President Xi Jinping’s attendance at the summit. Authorities implemented these security measures to manage dissent during the gathering.

3. Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin, and Masoud Pezeshkian advocated for using local currencies to reduce reliance on the US dollar. They spoke at a business forum on September 11, 2026. US President Donald Trump warned that nations challenging the dominance of the US dollar could face 10% tariffs. This stance signals a risk of trade retaliation from the United States.

4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on September 13, 2026, that geopolitical tensions and the weaponization of technology and critical minerals hinder global progress. The group faces significant external and internal obstacles to its goals. Member nations remain vulnerable due to their reliance on these resources.