Strengthen your UPSC exam preparation with daily IAS and UPSC current affairs

Recent Developments:

• The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026 under India’s chairship, with the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
• BRICS members unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration, overcoming significant differences over the West Asia conflict and other geopolitical issues.
• The consensus was diplomatically significant because the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in May 2026 had failed to produce a joint statement due to differences, particularly between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, over the West Asia conflict.
• India’s chairship emphasised a practical, inclusive, development-oriented and people-centred approach, with more than 400 BRICS meetings and engagements across 30 Indian cities during 2026.
• The declaration strengthens cooperation under the three established BRICS pillars: political and security cooperation, economic and financial cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
• The declaration also marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS, reaffirming its objective of making global governance more representative, equitable and responsive to the interests of emerging markets and developing countries.

West Asia and Conflict Diplomacy:

Consensus Through Diplomatic Language:

• BRICS adopted broader language on West Asia that enabled members with divergent geopolitical positions to reach consensus without attributing responsibility for the conflict to a particular party.
• The declaration called for maximum restraint, dialogue and diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and avoidance of actions that could further aggravate the situation.
• It also emphasised protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, while stressing the importance of maintaining trade, supply chains and energy flows.

Nuclear Safety and Regional Stability:

• BRICS expressed serious concern over attacks affecting civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.
• The emphasis on nuclear safety during armed conflicts is significant because damage to safeguarded nuclear facilities can create consequences extending beyond national borders.

Gaza and Palestine:

• BRICS called for maintenance of the ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
• It opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians and the use of starvation as a method of warfare.
• The grouping reaffirmed support for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
• The declaration also supported Palestinian aspirations for full United Nations membership and addressed the question of the right of return.

Lebanon and Syria:

• BRICS called for adherence to the Lebanon ceasefire and withdrawal from remaining Lebanese territory.
• It also supported an inclusive political transition in Syria, reflecting its broader emphasis on sovereignty, dialogue and regional stability.

Terrorism: A Significant Indian Diplomatic Outcome:

Condemnation of Terrorism:

• The declaration strongly condemned the 22 April 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed.
• BRICS reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
• The declaration specifically addressed cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing, safe havens, extremism and radicalisation, which directly aligns with India’s longstanding counter-terrorism priorities.
• It rejected the practice of associating terrorism with any particular religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group and called for accountability of those involved in terrorist activities and their support networks.
• The declaration also recognised the role of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group in strengthening practical cooperation.

Significance for India:

• The explicit reference to the Pahalgam attack represents an important diplomatic outcome for India because the declaration was adopted despite divergent strategic interests among BRICS members.
• The emphasis on terrorist safe havens and cross-border terrorism strengthens India’s effort to place terrorism at the centre of international security discussions.
• However, the declaration does not transform BRICS into a collective-security alliance, and implementation remains dependent on national positions and institutional cooperation.

Trade and Global Economic Governance:

Opposition to Unilateral Protectionism:

• BRICS opposed unilateral coercive economic measures that are inconsistent with international law, the United Nations Charter and World Trade Organization principles.
• The declaration supported a fair, stable, predictable and non-discriminatory trading environment that facilitates sustainable development.
• BRICS also criticised punitive or discriminatory applications of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms, particularly where environmental measures become instruments of protectionism.
• The position reflects developing countries’ concerns that unilateral tariffs and environmental trade measures can restrict market access and increase adjustment costs for emerging economies.

WTO and Developing Economies:

• BRICS reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system centred on the WTO.
• The grouping supported reforms to strengthen the WTO dispute-settlement system and called for greater integration of developing economies into global value chains.
• The declaration also linked trade cooperation with MSME financing, digital trade, trade infrastructure and special economic zones, thereby connecting global trade reform with domestic development.

De-dollarisation and Financial Cooperation:

Local-Currency Payments:

• BRICS did not announce a common BRICS currency; instead, it adopted a gradual and practical approach towards greater use of national currencies in trade and investment.
• The principal priorities include interoperable payment systems, faster and cheaper cross-border payments, local-currency settlement and stronger financial connectivity.
• The BRICS Payment Task Force is studying the interoperability of payment and messaging channels and exploring practical mechanisms for cross-border payments.

Financial Diversification:

• BRICS supported greater local-currency financing by the New Development Bank, while continuing discussions on additional investment mechanisms.
• India also proposed exploring a BRICS Risk Lab at GIFT City, which could strengthen cooperation on financial risk assessment, resilience and economic policy.
• The approach represents financial diversification rather than an immediate replacement of the US dollar, recognising differences in the convertibility, liquidity and international acceptability of BRICS currencies.
• The declaration also reaffirmed the need for stronger representation of emerging markets and developing economies in institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Artificial Intelligence and the Global South:

AI as Opportunity and Governance Challenge:

• BRICS identified Artificial Intelligence as both an engine of economic development and a major governance challenge for the Global South.
• The grouping emphasised inclusive access to AI resources, safety and security, reliability, energy efficiency and trustworthy AI.
• BRICS called for greater participation of developing countries in shaping global AI governance so that emerging international norms do not become dominated by a limited group of technologically advanced economies.
• The approach is consistent with India’s broader effort to promote inclusive and development-oriented AI governance.

India’s AI Leadership:

• The declaration welcomed India’s hosting of the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, reinforcing India’s position as a major voice in debates concerning responsible and inclusive AI.
• For the Global South, AI governance is closely connected with digital divides, computing capacity, data access, energy requirements, skills and technological sovereignty.

Indian Imprint on the New Delhi Declaration:

Digital Public Infrastructure:

• The declaration supports work towards a BRICS repository on Digital Public Infrastructure, including pilot projects that could facilitate knowledge-sharing among member and partner countries.
• India can use its experience with digital identity, digital payments, interoperable platforms and public digital infrastructure to support scalable digital solutions across the Global South.

Health and Mental Well-being:

• BRICS endorsed cooperation through a Training Hub Network and Centres of Excellence on mental well-being.
• National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Bengaluru, has been designated as the coordinating centre for the network.
• The initiative can strengthen research collaboration, policy exchange and integration of mental-health services into primary healthcare.

Industry 4.0 and MSMEs:

• India’s participation in the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies seeks to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and help MSMEs adopt Industry 4.0 and advanced digital technologies.
• The National Productivity Council has been designated as India’s centre for engagement with the initiative, with technical support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
• This initiative connects BRICS cooperation with productivity enhancement, advanced manufacturing, technology adoption and industrial competitiveness.

Development Cooperation:

• Other India-linked priorities include the BRICS Task Force on Growth and Development, BRICS–New Development Bank Knowledge Portal, infrastructure cooperation and public-private partnerships.
• The declaration also seeks to strengthen the BRICS insurance ecosystem, which can support financial resilience and risk-sharing across emerging economies.

Global South and Multilateral Reform:

Reforming Global Governance:

• The declaration calls for a more just, equitable, representative, democratic and accountable international order.
• BRICS supports greater representation of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries in global decision-making institutions.
• The grouping continues to advocate reform of the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions to better reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.
• This agenda reflects the broader Global South demand for voice, representation and institutional legitimacy, rather than simply seeking an alternative bloc to existing Western institutions.

Multipolarity and Strategic Autonomy:

• BRICS seeks to strengthen a multipolar international system in which multiple centres of economic and political influence coexist.
• For India, BRICS provides a platform to engage simultaneously with major powers and developing countries while maintaining its strategic autonomy.
• The grouping therefore complements, rather than replaces, India’s engagement with forums such as the G20, SCO, Quad and other multilateral institutions.

Challenges and Limitations:

Divergent Geopolitical Interests:

• BRICS includes countries with competing strategic interests, such as India and China, Iran and some Gulf countries, and Russia and several Western-oriented partners.
• The failure of the May 2026 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to produce a joint statement demonstrated the difficulty of maintaining consensus after BRICS expansion.
• The successful adoption of the New Delhi Declaration therefore demonstrates diplomatic flexibility but does not eliminate underlying differences.

Institutional and Economic Constraints:

• Greater use of local currencies faces challenges involving exchange-rate volatility, currency convertibility, liquidity, payment-system interoperability and regulatory differences.
• BRICS also needs stronger institutional mechanisms to convert political declarations into measurable outcomes.
• The expanding membership increases BRICS’ economic and diplomatic weight but simultaneously makes consensus-building and policy coordination more complex.

Way Forward:

From Declarations to Implementation:

• BRICS should develop time-bound implementation mechanisms, measurable indicators and institutional monitoring for major summit commitments.
• Payment interoperability, local-currency settlement, digital infrastructure and development financing should move from pilot projects towards scalable systems.
• Cooperation should focus on practical areas such as trade facilitation, MSMEs, health, infrastructure, critical minerals, food security, energy security and digital technologies.

Maintaining Strategic Balance:

• BRICS should remain an inclusive platform for cooperation rather than an exclusive anti-Western alliance.
• Consensus-based diplomacy should remain central because the grouping’s strength lies in bringing together countries with different political systems, economic structures and strategic priorities.
• India can continue playing the role of a bridge-builder, connecting the interests of developed and developing economies while advocating a more representative multilateral order.

Conclusion:

• The New Delhi Declaration demonstrates BRICS’ ability to preserve collective consensus despite substantial geopolitical fragmentation.
• For India, the declaration represents important diplomatic gains in counter-terrorism, digital public infrastructure, local-currency payments, AI governance, health cooperation and development partnerships.
• The summit also reinforces India’s image as a consensus-builder and bridge between competing geopolitical interests.
• BRICS’ future influence will ultimately depend not on the number of declarations it adopts but on its ability to transform political commitments into interoperable institutions, effective financial mechanisms and sustained practical cooperation.
• The New Delhi Declaration therefore represents an important step towards a more representative, multipolar and Global South-oriented international order, while leaving implementation and internal cohesion as its principal tests.

Value Addition for UPSC:

Key Concepts:

• Global South: A broad political and economic grouping of developing and emerging economies seeking greater representation and equity in global governance.
• Multipolarity: An international system characterised by several significant centres of political, economic and strategic power.
• Strategic Autonomy: The ability of a state to pursue national interests independently while maintaining partnerships with multiple powers.
• De-dollarisation: The gradual reduction of dependence on the US dollar in international trade, investment and financial transactions.
• Digital Public Infrastructure: Open and interoperable digital systems that enable large-scale delivery of public and private services.

Prelims Pointers:

• 18th BRICS Summit: New Delhi, 12–13 September 2026.
• 2026 BRICS Chair: India.
• 2026 Theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
• New Delhi Declaration: Adopted in 2026 with 140 paragraphs.
• Current BRICS membership: 11 countries.
• Three BRICS pillars: Political and security; economic and financial; cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
• India’s BRICS chairship: Fourth chairship after 2012, 2016 and 2021.
• Next BRICS Chair: China in 2027.

Mains Linkages:

• Essay: “The effectiveness of multilateral institutions depends not merely on representation, but on their capacity to convert consensus into collective action.”