BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration; Backs UNSC reforms, condemns Pahalgam attack

New Delhi, Sep 12: BRICS leaders on Saturday unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, strongly condemning the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and backing reforms of the UN Security Council, in a major diplomatic outcome for India at the 18th BRICS Summit.

The declaration, adopted on the opening day of the summit under India’s chairship, called for “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and rejection of double standards in counter-terrorism efforts. It specifically condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed and many others injured.

BRICS reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and safe havens. It also called for expeditious finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and concerted action against UN-designated terrorists.

On UN reforms, the grouping called for a more democratic, representative and effective Security Council with greater representation of developing countries. China and Russia, both permanent members of the Security Council reiterated support for the aspirations of India and Brazil to play a greater role in the UN including its Security Council.

The declaration also backed reform of global economic institutions, including the IMF and World Bank, to give emerging market and developing economies greater representation.

On trade, BRICS expressed serious concern over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, warning that they distort trade and undermine WTO rules. It called for urgent reform of the WTO and restoration of its fully functioning two-tier dispute settlement mechanism.

The leaders also discussed conflicts and geopolitical tensions, expressing concern over rising military expenditure and calling for restraint and protection of civilians in West Asia. They backed humanitarian access to Gaza and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and full UN membership for Palestine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the consensus after the leaders’ deliberations, saying no member had raised an objection to the declaration.

Marking BRICS’ 20th anniversary, the declaration reaffirmed commitment to mutual respect, sovereign equality, solidarity, cooperation and consensus. India, which assumed the BRICS chairship on January 1, 2026, has sought to place Global South concerns, institutional reforms, innovation and sustainable development at the centre of its presidency.

The unanimous adoption despite geopolitical differences among members gives New Delhi a significant diplomatic takeaway from its BRICS chairship. (Agencies)