The BRICS group of emerging economies on Saturday, 12 September unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration, voicing serious concern over the proliferation of unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures that distort global trade and contravene the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The declaration marks a collective stand by the bloc in defence of a rules-based multilateral trading order at a time of escalating trade protectionism worldwide.

Key Commitments on WTO Reform

The BRICS nations reaffirmed their 'unwavering support for reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and to strengthening a non-discriminatory, open, equitable, transparent, fair, inclusive, predictable and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core.' The declaration also extended strong backing to Ethiopia and Iran's bids for accession to the WTO, echoing the aspirations of the Global South to fully integrate into the multilateral trading architecture.

Notably, the declaration acknowledged China's expansion of zero-tariff treatment to cover 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties — a significant signal of South-South economic cooperation and a pointed contrast to protectionist trends in advanced economies.

Condemnation of Unilateral Coercive Measures

The declaration went beyond trade rhetoric, explicitly condemning the imposition of unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law. It stated that such measures — including unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions — carry far-reaching negative implications for human rights, encompassing the rights to development, health, and food security of the general populations of targeted states. The declaration noted these measures disproportionately affect the poor and people in vulnerable situations, while also deepening the digital divide and exacerbating environmental challenges. The BRICS countries called for the elimination of such unlawful measures.

Reforming Global Financial Institutions

With emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) accounting for a growing share of global output, the declaration identified reform of global economic governance as a consistent BRICS priority. Member states agreed to strengthen coordination to make international financial institutions — including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank — more representative, transparent, and accountable.

On IMF reform, the declaration called for a 'strong, quota-based and adequately resourced IMF at the centre of the global financial safety net.' It urged the immediate entry into effect of quota increases agreed under the 16th General Review of Quotas (GRQ) and called for the development of approaches to meaningful quota realignment under the 17th GRQ at the earliest.

The declaration also reaffirmed the 2025 World Bank Shareholding Review as a critical instrument for strengthening multilateralism and enhancing the legitimacy of the World Bank Group as a 'better, bigger, and more effective development finance institution.' BRICS countries committed to advocating for increased voice and representation of developing countries, underpinned by shareholding realignment that corrects their historic underrepresentation.

What This Signals for Global Trade

The New Delhi Declaration arrives against the backdrop of rising tariff barriers in major advanced economies and growing frustration among developing nations with a global financial architecture they argue was designed without their adequate input. This is the latest in a series of BRICS declarations pushing back against Western-led economic frameworks, but the 2026 edition is notably more pointed in its language on sanctions and coercive measures — a reflection of the bloc's expanded membership and heightened geopolitical stakes.

Whether the declaration translates into coordinated action or remains aspirational will depend on the bloc's ability to navigate its own internal divergences on trade and sanctions policy in the months ahead.