BRICS – September 2026 – Proceedings

 BRICS – September 2026 – Proceedings

Introduction

The 18th BRICS Summit concluded with member states reaffirming their collective commitment to multipolarity, economic resilience, global governance reform, and peaceful diplomacy. Hosted under India’s Chairship in New Delhi, the assembly brought together global leaders to address pressing geopolitical uncertainties, economic fragmentation, and climate imperatives. The summit highlighted the evolving weight of emerging market economies in driving sustainable global development, strengthening trade mechanisms, and reinforcing international law. The unanimously adopted New Delhi Declaration set a clear framework for inclusive multilateralism and collaborative crisis resolution across the Global South.

Highlights of PM of India's Address

Humanity-Centric Multilateralism Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for a "humanity-first" and people-centric approach to navigate ongoing global conflicts and climate shocks. He emphasized that BRICS must deliver tangible outcomes that prioritize vulnerable communities across the Global South. The PM reiterated that the group's strength lies in unity and mutual trust rather than confrontation.

Reforms in Global Governance PM Modi called for urgent, non-negotiable structural reforms within the United Nations Security Council and global financial institutions. He noted that existing international architecture fails to reflect contemporary multi-polar realities. BRICS nations were urged to lead the push for a more representative and equitable global order.

Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism The Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of an uncompromising, unified stance against terrorism and its cross-border networks. He called for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN. PM Modi urged member states to eliminate double standards when tackling global security threats.

Resilient Supply Chains and Trade Highlighting economic cooperation, the Prime Minister prioritized resilient supply chains, agriculture trade, and small and medium-scale enterprises. He noted that market barriers and supply disruptions severely impact developing economies. Collaborative trade facilitation was presented as a core strategy for post-crisis recovery.

Green Growth and Climate Action PM Modi invited all BRICS partners to join India’s global green initiatives, including Mission LiFE and the Green Credit Initiative. He stressed that climate action must balance transition goals with affordable access to energy. Environmental protection should remain tied to sustainable economic development.

BRICS as a Non-Western Platform The Prime Minister clarified that BRICS operates as an inclusive platform rather than an anti-Western coalition. He emphasized that the group seeks constructive engagement and fair participation in world affairs. The focus remains on building solutions for global challenges without creating rigid blocs.

Expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure PM Modi showcased India's successful rollout of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance financial inclusion. He offered to share open-source digital solutions with BRICS partners to boost global digital trade. Technology integration was positioned as a catalyst for socio-economic empowerment.

New Development Bank Expansion The Prime Minister praised the New Development Bank (NDB) for diversifying its regional footprint, including its presence in GIFT City, India. He urged NDB to fund sustainable infrastructure projects across emerging economies. Financial mechanisms must focus on long-term capital stability for member states.

Highlights of President of China's Address

Strategic Long-Term Perspective President Xi Jinping urged BRICS countries to view global dynamics and inter-bloc cooperation from a long-term strategic vantage point. He underlined that emerging economies must act as anchors of stability in a volatile world. Long-term clarity ensures that bilateral or regional friction does not derail global progress.

Opposition to Unilateral Tariffs President Xi voiced strong opposition to trade protectionism, arbitrary sanctions, and unilateral tariff measures. He warned that tariff barriers distort global supply networks and undermine World Trade Organization rules. Openness and economic integration were cited as essential for global recovery.

West Asia De-escalation Addressing ongoing conflicts, President Xi noted that prolonged warfare in West Asia runs counter to shared global interests. He urged immediate ceasefires, protection of civilian populations, and adherence to international humanitarian law. Political dialogue was highlighted as the only viable path to lasting peace.

Mutual Learning and Synergies President Xi emphasized that developing nations must leverage their complementary strengths to accelerate innovation. He noted that mutual learning in technology, manufacturing, and green energy benefits the entire bloc. Deepened industrial collaboration will foster higher-value economic output.

Building a Multipolar World The Chinese leader reaffirmed China's commitment to advancing a multipolar Asia and a balanced global governance architecture. He advocated for equitable representation for developing nations in multilateral forums. Equal consultation among sovereign nations was identified as crucial for global stability.

Support for 2027 Chairship President Xi announced China’s readiness to host the BRICS Summit in 2027 and build upon current outcomes. He pledged to maintain continuity in trade, digital transformation, and sustainable development goals. Members were invited to enhance cooperation across all institutional mechanisms.

Protection of Supply Chain Integrity President Xi highlighted the need to safeguard global logistics networks, energy routes, and raw material access. He cautioned against geopolitical decoupling and artificial fragmentation of markets. Secure and uninterrupted global supply chains remain essential for all developing countries.

Global Security Initiative Alignment President Xi reaffirmed that international security must be indivisible and based on common responsibility. He noted that no nation should enhance its security at the expense of others. Dialogue mechanisms should replace military confrontation and unilateral coercion.

Highlights of President of Russia's Address

Economic Weight of BRICS President Vladimir Putin highlighted that BRICS member states account for over half of the global population. He emphasized that the bloc’s vibrant domestic markets are growing faster than traditional G-7 economies. Shift in economic gravity toward emerging markets is now an irreversible reality.

Critique of Western Economic Policies President Putin criticized unilateral sanctions, weaponized financial tools, and trade restrictions imposed by Western nations. He stated that such measures damage the global monetary system and international trust. Alternative settlement mechanisms are vital to protect sovereign commerce.

Local Currency Settlements The Russian President called for expanded cross-border payments in national currencies among BRICS nations. He stressed that lowering reliance on single reserve currencies mitigates external financial risks. Enhanced banking connectivity will secure seamless trade flows across member states.

Energy Security and Logistics President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s role as a reliable supplier of oil, natural gas, and agricultural fertilizers. He highlighted key transport corridors like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to streamline trade. Uninterrupted energy transit was framed as fundamental to global market equilibrium.

Fair Multipolar Financial Architecture President Putin urged BRICS to construct an independent financial infrastructure immune to external political pressure. He supported expanding joint investment platforms under the New Development Bank. Equal access to development capital must be guaranteed for all global South nations.

Nuclear Safety and Security The Russian President affirmed that nuclear safety and safeguards must be maintained without exception. He emphasized that critical energy infrastructure must remain protected even during active regional conflicts. International oversight body standards should be upheld unconditionally.

Promotion of Industrial Partnerships President Putin pointed to industrial trade expos as evidence of growing economic synergies within the bloc. He called for deeper technological exchanges, joint ventures, and raw material processing partnerships. Advanced industrialization will enhance economic autonomy across member nations.

Commitment to BRICS Expansion President Putin welcomed newly joined member states and full partner nations into the BRICS framework. He noted that institutional expansion enhances the collective leverage of the Global South. Integration processes must proceed smoothly while honouring founding principles.

General BRICS Summit Outcomes & Declarations

Unanimous Adoption of New Delhi Declaration The summit concluded with the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration by all participating members. The document outlines joint positions on global governance, economic cooperation, and security issues. It reflects consensus across diverse member nations without any recorded reservations.

Condemnation of Unilateral Coercive Measures BRICS leaders formally condemned unilateral coercive measures that bypass international law and UN principles. The joint declaration noted that arbitrary restrictions disrupt international trade and development efforts. Member states reaffirmed their reliance on legitimate multilateral institutions.

Preventive Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution The declaration stressed the vital role of preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peaceful dialogue in resolving crises. Leaders urged parties involved in armed conflicts to respect international humanitarian principles. Negotiation was reiterated as the sole mechanism for long-term peace.

Strengthening WTO and Multilateral Trade The summit voiced firm support for a rules-based, non-discriminatory, and transparent multilateral trading system cantered on the WTO. Leaders called for immediate resolution of the WTO dispute settlement body crisis. Non-tariff barriers and trade-distorting subsidies were highlighted for urgent review.

Addressing Global Food and Energy Security Members committed to keeping global agricultural markets open and reducing volatility in basic food supplies. Fertilizer supply chains were identified as essential components of global food safety. Collaborative action will focus on stabilizing commodity pricing globally.

Climate Finance and Technology Transfer The group emphasized that developed nations must fulfill their climate finance commitments to the Global South. Technology transfers should occur without artificial political or trade barriers. Climate goals must be reached while supporting national poverty alleviation mandates.

India-Russia Bilateral Engagement

Review of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership PM Modi and President Putin held detailed talks to review the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Both leaders acknowledged the steady resilience of bilateral ties despite severe external geopolitical pressure. Discussions covered political, economic, defence, energy, and space cooperation domains.

Targeting USD 100 Billion Trade by 2030 The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to boosting bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030 in a balanced manner. Efforts focus on resolving trade imbalances, lowering non-tariff barriers, and expediting the India-EAEU FTA. Expanding payment systems in national currencies remains a high operational priority.

Success of INNOPROM India 2026 Both leaders welcomed Russia’s international industrial exhibition "INNOPROM India" held in New Delhi. They jointly visited the exposition floor to engage with industrial participants and trade delegations. The event marked a key milestone in expanding joint manufacturing and engineering ventures.

Civil Nuclear Energy and Kudankulam Progress Bilateral discussions highlighted Russia as India’s primary long-term partner in civil nuclear energy development. The ongoing expansion of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was commended as a flagship model of technical cooperation. Russia remains a strategic partner as India aims for expanded clean nuclear capacity.

Maritime Safety and Annual Summit Invitation PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Both leaders reviewed maritime trade security in the Black Sea and Red Sea to safeguard Indian seafarers. President Putin formally invited PM Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit.

India-China Bilateral Engagement

Progress in Bilateral Border Disengagement PM Modi and President Xi Jinping welcomed steady disengagement along the border areas following prior high-level consensus. PM Modi emphasized that maintaining peace along border zones remains essential for overall bilateral ties. Both leaders agreed to prevent localized operational differences from escalating into active disputes.

Guidance by the "Three Mutuals" Framework PM Modi stressed that India-China relations must be strictly guided by mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. He noted that respecting core strategic sensitivities is fundamental to rebuilding bilateral trust. Both leaders directed diplomatic channels to sustain structured strategic communication.

Special Representatives Dialogue Mechanism The leaders agreed that Special Representatives on the boundary question will meet regularly to oversee peace management. The mechanism will continue exploring a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable boundary solution. Foreign Ministry level dialogues will be fully utilized to normalize broader bilateral engagements.

Addressing Structural Trade Imbalances Economic deliberations focused on resolving structural trade imbalances and securing predictable market access. Both sides agreed to address supply chain disruptions and facilitate industrial exchange transparently. Promoting balanced economic interaction was framed as beneficial to both expanding markets.

People-to-People Connections and Multipolar Synergy The two leaders called for restoring cultural exchanges, commercial linkages, and direct mobility between both nations. They affirmed that stable ties between Asia’s two largest nations foster regional and global economic stability. Constructive India-China engagement was recognized as a key pillar for a multipolar Asia.

Conclusion

The concluded BRICS Summit marked a milestone in reinforcing the collective voice of emerging economies on global trade, governance reform, and conflict resolution. By adopting the New Delhi Declaration unanimously, member states signalled high-level consensus despite surrounding global geopolitical fractures. Bilateral engagements on the sidelines provided vital momentum to India's strategic partnerships with both Russia and China. Moving forward, the bloc has laid out a clear road map toward sustainable development, economic self-reliance, and balanced multipolarity.