BRICS leaders have adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, outlining resolutions on conflict prevention, multilateral cooperation, trade, tariffs and international security.
The 45-page declaration was unanimously approved on Saturday, the first day of the 18th BRICS Summit held in India.
The summit brought together BRICS members including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, as well as partner countries such as Nigeria.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the declaration after negotiations among member states.
“No member has raised any objection. The New Delhi Declaration 2026 is adopted unanimously,” Modi said.
The declaration expressed concern over the prolonged conflict in the Middle East and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint while pursuing dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
BRICS leaders also called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and warned against actions that could threaten nuclear safety.
The bloc stressed that international disputes should be resolved through peaceful means, dialogue and consultation rather than military escalation.
On trade, BRICS criticised the increasing use of unilateral tariffs and non-tariff barriers, saying such measures distort global trade and place additional pressure on developing economies.
The declaration also opposed unilateral coercive measures that it said were inconsistent with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
BRICS further expressed support for greater use of members’ local currencies in cross-border payments and trade settlements.
The bloc said the proposed BRICS Payment Task Force would explore practical ways to make payments between member countries faster and more efficient while reducing dependence on existing international payment systems.
Meanwhile, Nigeria reaffirmed its support for the World Trade Organisation and the multilateral trading system during the summit.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who met with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the summit, said no country could achieve sustainable prosperity in isolation from the global community.
Shettima also highlighted migration as an important contributor to innovation and national development.
The Vice President is expected to address BRICS leaders on Sunday, where he will present Nigeria’s partnership opportunities and investment potential.
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