BRICS leaders on Saturday, 12 September 2026, raised alarm over deepening global polarisation and distrust, calling for urgent politico-diplomatic action to safeguard international peace and prevent armed conflicts. The concerns were formally enshrined in the 2026 New Delhi Declaration, adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit held in the national capital.

Key concerns in the New Delhi Declaration

The joint declaration acknowledged a world order marked by fragmentation, rising geopolitical tensions, and a 'critical increase in global military spending' — a trend BRICS leaders said was diverting resources away from development financing for the Global South.

'We note the current global context of polarization and distrust and encourage global action to strengthen international peace and security,' the declaration stated, urging the international community to pursue conflict prevention by 'addressing their root causes.'

The leaders underscored that 'security among all countries is indivisible' and reiterated their commitment to resolving international disputes through dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy. They also called on regional organisations to play an active role in crisis prevention and peaceful settlement of disputes.

Preventive diplomacy and mediation as priorities

In a notable emphasis, the declaration highlighted preventive diplomacy and mediation — with the consent of relevant parties — as essential tools to avert crises and prevent escalation, in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. BRICS members agreed to explore avenues for cooperation across UN peacekeeping missions, African Union peace support operations, and broader mediation and peace processes.

This comes amid ongoing conflicts in multiple regions worldwide and a broader erosion of multilateral trust that has marked the post-pandemic geopolitical landscape.

Rising military spending and development trade-offs

The declaration explicitly linked surging global defence budgets to reduced financing for development. The leaders advocated a multilateral approach that respects 'diverse national viewpoints and positions on crucial global issues, including sustainable development, the eradication of hunger and poverty and contributing to the global response to climate change.' Notably, they expressed 'deep concern over attempts to link security with the climate change agenda' — a formulation that reflects long-standing pushback from developing nations against securitising environmental policy.

Nuclear risks and disarmament commitments

Expressing 'grave concern over the growing risks of nuclear danger and conflict,' the BRICS leaders called for reinvigorating the global disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. They reaffirmed support for nuclear-weapon-free zones and acknowledged the 'paramount importance' of efforts to establish a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.

They referenced the adoption of UNGA Resolution 79/241 on nuclear-weapon-free zones and called on all invited parties to participate in related conferences 'in good faith.'

What lies ahead

The New Delhi Declaration positions India — the current BRICS chair — as a convener of multilateral diplomacy at a time when the rules-based international order faces sustained pressure. Whether these commitments translate into tangible diplomatic outcomes, particularly on conflict mediation and defence spending norms, will be closely watched through the remainder of India's chairship and beyond.