Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 12 September 2026, declared that the New Delhi Declaration, adopted unanimously at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, reflects the confidence of a bloc that is 'wider in reach and stronger in purpose.' The declaration was endorsed by all member and partner nations at the two-day summit held at Bharat Mandapam, marking one of the most substantive outcomes of India's BRICS presidency.

Key Pillars of the New Delhi Declaration

The declaration centres on innovation, sustainability, and people-to-people ties, with an explicit push to make BRICS cooperation more practical and development-oriented. In a post on X, PM Modi stated: 'With a focus on innovation, sustainability, people-to-people ties and more, the endeavour is to make cooperation more practical, development-oriented and responsive to the aspirations of the BRICS nations.'

He added that the declaration 'looks firmly to the future,' outlining deeper collaboration across artificial intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure, quantum technologies, startups, MSMEs, and scientific research. Strengthening the New Development Bank and joint action on food, health, energy security, supply chains, and sustainable infrastructure also feature prominently.

A Larger Message for the Global South

PM Modi underscored that the declaration carries a broader signal about institutional evolution and the Global South's role in shaping the multilateral order. 'In the current global context, the New Delhi Declaration carries a larger message that institutions must evolve with realities. Development must remain at the centre of the global agenda. The voice of the Global South must be heard with greater weight,' he said.

He emphasised that BRICS stands for 'dialogue, reform, peace and a more representative multilateral order,' while adding that the grouping 'will keep speaking firmly against terrorism, double standards and threats to international stability.' This comes amid growing calls from developing nations for reform of bodies such as the UN Security Council and the Bretton Woods institutions — a theme India has championed throughout its presidency.

Summit Sessions and Commemorative Launches

Earlier on Saturday, BRICS leaders attended a session titled 'Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism' at Bharat Mandapam. In his closing remarks at the session, PM Modi stated: 'The New Delhi Declaration adopted today gives clear direction to our shared resolve. Now it is our responsibility to convert these resolutions into concrete results.'

The Prime Minister also launched two postage stamps commemorating 20 years of BRICS — a symbolic gesture marking the grouping's evolution from an informal economic acronym to a geopolitical platform now comprising an expanded membership.

What Comes Next

Discussions among BRICS leaders reportedly covered key regional and global issues alongside priorities for deepening intra-BRICS cooperation. With the declaration now adopted, the focus shifts to translating its commitments — particularly on AI governance, Digital Public Infrastructure, and NDB reform — into time-bound deliverables. The next BRICS presidency rotation and follow-up mechanisms will likely determine whether the New Delhi Declaration achieves substantive impact or remains aspirational.