New Delhi Declaration sets BRICS agenda, but India must act on trade reforms

The New Delhi Declaration, adopted at the latest BRICS summit, outlines an expansive vision for cooperation among the bloc's member nations on economic, political and development issues. The agreement reflects shared concerns about reforming global institutions and creating alternative frameworks for emerging economies, positioning BRICS as a counterweight to Western-dominated structures.

However, the declaration's success will depend heavily on India's willingness to translate its ambitious language into actionable policies. Key areas requiring immediate attention include tariff structures, trade facilitation mechanisms, and India's stance on World Trade Organization reform proposals that have languished for years amid disagreement among major economies.

India's trade policies remain among the most protective in the developing world, with high tariffs shielding domestic industries from foreign competition. If BRICS members are to deepen economic integration as the declaration suggests, India will need to consider gradual liberalization measures that could face domestic political resistance.

The WTO reform agenda outlined in the declaration calls for addressing disputes resolution mechanisms and special treatment for developing nations. India's active participation in pushing these reforms at multilateral forums will be crucial to demonstrating that BRICS commitments extend beyond symbolic gestures to substantive engagement.

Analysts note that the window for implementing these measures is narrow, with global trade tensions rising and BRICS members pursuing divergent national interests. The coming months will reveal whether New Delhi intends to lead by example or whether the declaration becomes another high-profile agreement shelved for lack of political will.