BRICS New Delhi Declaration: Comprehensive Multilateral Cooperation Framework
The XVIII BRICS Summit held in New Delhi from 12-13 September 2026 resulted in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. The declaration represents a comprehensive framework for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations across political, economic, and cultural pillars, marking two decades of BRICS collaboration.
Global Governance and Multilateral Reform
The declaration emphasizes urgent reform of global governance institutions to reflect contemporary realities and increase representation of emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). It calls for meaningful quota realignment in the IMF under the 17th General Review of Quotas to better reflect countries' relative positions in the global economy, building on the BRICS Rio de Janeiro Vision for IMF Quota and Governance Reform. The document supports World Bank shareholding review to correct historic underrepresentation of developing countries and advocates for WTO reform to restore a fully functioning, two-tier binding dispute settlement mechanism. It strongly supports Ethiopia and Iran's WTO accession bids and condemns unilateral coercive measures inconsistent with international law.
Economic and Financial Cooperation
Significant progress was noted on the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, with extensive work on cross-border payment mechanisms through the BRICS Payment Task Force. The declaration welcomes technical work on exploring efficient cross-border payment solutions using local currencies and acknowledges discussions on establishing a BRICS Insurance Resilience Centre and BRICS Risk Lab at GIFT City IFSC. It notes constructive technical discussions on establishing a Study Group for the New Investment Platform and explores settlement and depositary infrastructure dialogue formats.
The document advances initiative for a BRICS Grain Exchange and encourages intra-BRICS agricultural trade facilitation. It welcomes the Jaipur Consensus to study an Invoice Discounting Mechanism for MSMEs and supports implementation of the Workplan on BRICS Shared Understanding on Global Value Chains, including development of the BRICS GVC Action Plan 2026-2030.
Sectoral Cooperation Initiatives
The declaration outlines extensive cooperation across multiple sectors: Health ministers adopted compendiums on digital health architecture and mental wellness best practices, established a Sub-Working Group for BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases, and launched the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyle 2026-2029. Energy cooperation includes welcome for BRICS Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage and ongoing work on hydrogen value chains. Technology collaboration covers operationalization of the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation, progress on submarine cable feasibility studies, and commitment to implement the BRICS Leaders' Statement on Global AI Governance.
Industrial cooperation acknowledges seven specialized working groups, including adoption of Terms of Reference for the Photovoltaic Industry Working Group and development of a BRICS Solar Photovoltaic Cooperation Roadmap. The document welcomes establishment of BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies with UNIDO and notes creation of India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies.
Climate, Environment and Sustainable Development
The declaration reaffirms commitment to UNFCCC and Paris Agreement principles, opposing unilateral carbon border adjustment measures. It welcomes the BRICS Climate Research Platform and implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on BRICS Carbon Markets Partnership. The document emphasizes people-centric adaptation approaches and welcomes BRICS Principles for advancing Climate Resilience through Community-based Adaptation based on Traditional Knowledge.
It acknowledges conservation initiatives including the International Big Cats Alliance and welcomes BRICS Principles for Integrated Landscape-Based Greening and Land Restoration. The declaration notes the growing scale of waste management challenges and welcomes initiative to establish a Network of BRICS Institutions for Sustainable Lifestyles research.
Institutional Development and Support
The document recognizes the New Development Bank's role as it enters its second decade, encouraging expansion of membership and local currency financing. It welcomes the BRICS-NDB Knowledge Portal launch and supports the Bank's efforts to diversify funding sources. The declaration underscores the G20's role as premier forum for international economic cooperation and salutes African Union's accession during India's G20 Presidency.
Regional Security and Conflict Resolution
The declaration expresses concern about ongoing conflicts in Middle East/West Asia, calling for protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. It calls for implementation of relevant UN resolutions regarding Gaza and reaffirms support for Palestine's full UN membership. The document condemns terrorist attacks including the April 2025 Jammu and Kashmir attack that killed 26 people, and calls for expeditious finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchange
The declaration welcomes outcomes from numerous ministerial meetings including education, culture, tourism, and sports. It encourages cooperation in traditional knowledge systems, cultural heritage protection, and sports technology. The document acknowledges the role of BRICS Business Council, Women's Business Alliance, and various civil society forums in strengthening economic cooperation and people-to-people ties.