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September 12, 2026, New Delhi – BRICS leaders unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration on Saturday, taking a firm stance against what they called "unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures" that distort global trade and violate World Trade Organization rules. The declaration, hammered out after weeks of behind‑the‑scenes diplomacy, showcases the expanded bloc’s determination to speak with one voice on trade, geopolitics, and reform of global institutions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally proposed the adoption at the summit, noting that the document “encapsulates the essence of our discussions and reflects our perspectives on key global and regional issues.” With no objections raised, the declaration was approved in a sealed session, marking a diplomatic breakthrough after the May foreign ministers’ meeting failed to produce a joint statement due to deep divisions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Trade concerns dominate
The declaration puts trade at the center of BRICS’s economic agenda. It expresses “serious concern over the rise of unilateral tariffs and non‑tariff measures that distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules.” This language – notably stronger than previous BRICS statements – comes as Washington has re‑engaged in a series of tariff disputes with both China and the European Union. In a clear departure from earlier cautious wording, the text also “condemns unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law,” reinforcing the bloc’s push for a level playing field for emerging economies.
India, which chairs BRICS this year, has been lobbying for deeper trade cooperation among members. “We must translate our unity into concrete results,” Modi said in his opening remarks. The declaration also encourages continued discussions on practical solutions for cross‑border payments, an area where several BRICS countries – especially Russia and Iran – have sought alternatives to the dollar‑dominated financial system. Sources close to the negotiations told Reuters that technical working groups are already testing a pilot settlement platform using national currencies, with a final roadmap expected by mid‑2027.
Uneasy consensus amid Gulf tensions
Negotiating the text was no small feat. Iran and the UAE remain at odds over the war in Yemen and Iran’s nuclear program, with both sides engaged in tit‑for‑tat strikes in the Gulf in recent weeks. The declaration attempts to bridge these divides by expressing “concern over growing risks of nuclear danger and conflict” while insisting that “nuclear safeguards, safety and security must always be upheld, including during armed conflicts.” It stops short of naming specific parties, a compromise that allowed both Tehran and Abu Dhabi to sign on.
An Indian official with direct knowledge of the talks described securing agreement as “particularly complex because the conflicts are live, and the stakes are high.” The declaration also avoids direct criticism of Israel or the United States, preserving the balancing act that New Delhi has maintained between its partners in the West and the East.
Modi’s push for Global South reform
Opening the summit, Modi declared BRICS “come of age” and called for a bigger role for developing countries in global decision‑making. “The Global South is today in the front row when it comes to global crises, but in the back row when it comes to decision‑making,” he said. “We have to transform this pyramid and privilege into a platform of partnership.”
He reiterated India’s demand for United Nations Security Council reform, including permanent seats for India and other emerging powers. While no concrete timeline was set, the declaration includes a strong commitment to “comprehensive reform of the UN, including the Security Council, to make it more representative, effective, and transparent.” This marks a step beyond the 2025 BRICS summit that only vaguely called for “improving global governance.”
Xi, Putin in attendance
Chinese President Xi Jinping used the forum to position Beijing as a champion of multilateralism, telling leaders that BRICS must “firmly stand on the right side of history” by steering the international order towards greater equity and justice. Russian President Vladimir Putin, attending in person despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, praised the declaration as “a realistic and balanced document.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were also present, underscoring the bloc’s growing diversity.
Exclusive nuance: U.S. reaction subdued
A day after the declaration, a senior U.S. Treasury official told Reuters on background that Washington is “closely monitoring” BRICS efforts on cross‑border payments but sees no immediate threat to the dollar’s dominance. “They can set up as many clearing systems as they want, but the real question is liquidity and trust,” the official said. This muted response contrasts with previous US warnings about de‑dollarization, suggesting that the Biden administration has dialed back public criticism to avoid escalating tensions with several large trading partners.
What’s next
The New Delhi Declaration sets the stage for the 2027 BRICS summit in Brazil. The bloc now comprises 11 members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, the UAE, and (as of this summit) Saudi Arabia, which joined as a full member after a year of observer status. The expanded membership adds economic clout but also increases internal friction, a challenge that India’s diplomatic machinery has proved adept at managing – at least for now.
This article was updated on September 12, 2026, with reactions from U.S. officials and analysis of the cross‑border payments pilot.
