BRICS summit adopts New Delhi Declaration amid geopolitical tensions

India's Prime Minister presided over the BRICS summit in New Delhi where member nations adopted a joint declaration reaffirming the grouping's commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. The PM underscored that BRICS operates as a constructive forum not oriented against any nation, emphasizing the bloc's inclusive approach to global affairs.

The New Delhi Declaration calls for "maximum restraint" in ongoing conflicts but notably avoids direct references to military strikes or specific regional disputes. The carefully worded statement reflects efforts to build consensus among diverse member perspectives, with both the UAE and Iran moderating their positions to achieve agreement on the final text.

During the summit, the PM held substantive discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping spanning over an hour, covering bilateral relations and broader BRICS cooperation priorities. The declaration also includes a veiled rebuke of Israeli actions, reflecting the bloc's broader positioning on Middle Eastern affairs.

The New Delhi Declaration represents the summit's attempt to navigate competing interests within the grouping while maintaining unity on key global challenges. The statement is expected to guide BRICS initiatives on development, security cooperation, and reforms to international institutions during the coming year.