The New Delhi Declaration 2026 has provided a clearer picture of what BRICS aims to become as the bloc moves into its third decade. Adopted at the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12, the declaration captures the priorities of the expanded grouping on global governance, trade, finance, technology, health, climate and security.
Hosted by India under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the declaration does not seek to establish a unified BRICS policy on all issues. Rather, it attempts to identify areas of convergence between members with significantly different interests.
What is the New Delhi Declaration?
The New Delhi Declaration is the joint statement adopted by BRICS leaders during the 18th BRICS summit. It includes 140 paragraphs related to political, economic and social issues.
One of the key messages is that global institutions need to reflect the changing economic and political realities of developing countries. BRICS once again called for the reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, and advocated greater representation for developing countries.
Crucially for India, China and Russia reconfirmed their support for a greater role for Brazil and India in the United Nations, including the Security Council.
A stronger voice for the Global South
A recurrent theme in the document is the need for developing countries to have a stronger say in global decision-making.
BRICS members called for a more representative and effective international system and expressed concern about the interests of the Global South. The declaration also calls for the reform of major international institutions so that their structures correspond to today’s global economy.
For India, this is a particularly important statement, as New Delhi has long been calling for reforms in the UN, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
What did BRICS say about the dollar and local currencies?
This is perhaps the most eagerly awaited aspect of the document, as the declaration does not mention the introduction of a BRICS currency.
However, the document does speak of continued efforts to develop cross-border payment systems and the use of local currencies of BRICS members in trade and investment.
The BRICS Payment Task Force has been examining ways to increase the interoperability of payment and messaging systems. The declaration also states that there is “no one-size-fits-all approach” to trade settlements and investments in local currencies.
This solution is of particular interest to India, which is also calling for greater financial cooperation, but not at the expense of national currencies.
India has already laid the groundwork for greater cross-border payments and pointed to the potential of UPI as an example of a digital payment infrastructure that could facilitate international financial cooperation.
Trade, technology and innovation
The declaration also places considerable emphasis on economic cooperation, including endorsement of steps towards the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, aimed at guiding cooperation in trade, digital economy and finance areas.
Technology is another priority area, as artificial intelligence, digital technologies and innovation are increasingly shaping the agenda of BRICS cooperation, as members seek to find new ways to increase productivity and economic opportunities.
The summit also highlighted cooperation in industrial development, energy, agriculture and sustainable infrastructure.
Health and education get greater attention
The declaration also includes items beyond economics and geopolitics.
BRICS countries have expressed support for expanded cooperation in the field of healthcare and mental health. A network of Centres of Excellence for mental health was launched, with NIMHANS in Bengaluru as the coordinating center. This initiative seeks to promote research, policy collaboration and the exchange of best practices among member states.
Education also featured in the declaration, with a focus on early childhood care, foundational literacy, digital education, skill development and technical and vocational education. The countries also stressed the importance of academic mobility and educational institution cooperation.
Why is the declaration important for India?
For India, the summit in New Delhi was not only about the presence of BRICS leaders in the capital. Rather, it was an opportunity to shape the group’s agenda.
India’s presidency focused on resilience, innovation, sustainability and pragmatic cooperation, and the declaration reflects many of these priorities, while also giving India diplomatic cover on issues of global governance reform.
The adoption of the declaration was also significant in itself, as the BRICS countries now include members with significantly different political stances and economic interests. Achieving a consensus in such a group requires subtle diplomacy.
What happens next?
The declaration provides a broad outlook, but its significance will be determined by its implementation.
The immediate task ahead will be to translate agreements on payments, trade, technology, health and institutional reforms into specific projects. China will assume the BRICS chairmanship for 2027, with India handing over the responsibility after its 2026 presidency.
The New Delhi Declaration therefore reflects less of a rupture with the existing global system and more of an effort to gradually consolidate BRICS as a platform for cooperation among emerging economies.
For India, its potential significance lies above all in this pragmatic approach: stronger cooperation with the Global South, but at the same time — safeguarding national economic and strategic interests.
BRICS Cooperation and the Spiritual Path of Humanity
The New Delhi Declaration highlights how countries with different interests can find common ground through cooperation, mutual respect and dialogue. In the same way, humanity can progress when people rise above personal differences and develop a spirit of brotherhood, compassion and cooperation. Spirituality can guide individuals toward understanding that human welfare is greater than divisions based on nationality, status or material interests. This approach is reflected in the teachings and humanitarian initiatives of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, including free food service, blood donation, de-addiction campaigns and dowry-free marriages. His message focuses on human unity, peaceful living and devotion based on spiritual knowledge.
