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Terror, tariffs and AI: What are the key takeaways from BRICS New Delhi Declaration

BRICS raised serious concerns over rising unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures. It said such measures distort trade and conflict with WTO rules.

Updated on: Sep 13, 2026, 10:24:06 IST
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BRICS leaders on Saturday unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th Summit in New Delhi. The document outlined the group’s position on global conflicts, terrorism, trade, climate, technology and development. Follow updates on Day 2 of the BRICS Summit

The New Delhi Declaration was adopted as India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. (ANI)
The New Delhi Declaration was adopted as India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. (ANI)

The 140-point declaration, titled “New Delhi Declaration — Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” backed India and Brazil for a bigger UN role, opposed the Israeli war in Gaza, pushed for local-currency trade and endorsed India-led initiatives on financial risk, AI and big-cat conservation.

Key takeaways from the BRICS New Delhi Declaration

  • Pahalgam attack: BRICS strongly condemned the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 people and injured many others.
  • Nuclear facilities: BRICS showed serious concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. It said such attacks violate international law and IAEA resolutions.

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Deep Dive

What key points did the BRICS New Delhi Declaration make regarding tariffs and trade?

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration expressed serious concerns about rising unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort trade and conflict with WTO rules. It condemned protectionism presented as environmental policy and emphasized the need for a fair and transparent global trading system.

Why did BRICS leaders back a two-state solution for Palestine?

BRICS leaders supported a two-state solution for Palestine as part of their commitment to achieving peace and security in the region, emphasizing that a just resolution can only occur through the fulfilment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

How does BRICS plan to enhance cross-border payment systems among member states?

BRICS aims to facilitate practical solutions for cross-border payments using local currencies through the BRICS Payment Task Force, focusing on making transactions faster, cheaper, accessible, and secure while respecting national priorities.
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  • Carbon border taxes: BRICS opposed unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist measures such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms when they do not comply with international law.
  • WTO reform: BRICS reaffirmed support for WTO reform. It backed an open, transparent, fair, inclusive and rules-based global trading system with the WTO at its core.
  • Developing countries: The declaration reaffirmed the principles of Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment and Special and Differential Treatment for developing countries, especially least developed countries.
  • Local-currency payments: BRICS backed greater interoperability between cross-border payment and messaging systems. It also encouraged trade and investment settlements in BRICS local currencies, while respecting national priorities.
  • BRICS Risk Lab: Members showed interest in India’s proposal to set up a BRICS Risk Lab at GIFT City’s International Financial Services Centre in Gujarat.
  • Insurance resilience: The proposal comes under a voluntary BRICS Insurance Resilience Centre. It aims to develop common risk models, share best practices and build specialist capabilities.
  • Reinsurance: BRICS members also agreed to continue discussions on strengthening their reinsurance capacity.
  • AI governance: BRICS committed to implementing the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence.
  • Lebanon: BRICS called on Israel to respect its agreements with the Lebanese government and withdraw its occupying forces from Lebanese territory.
  • UNIFIL peacekeepers: BRICS expressed condolences over the deaths of four Indonesian peacekeepers and other personnel serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
  • Big cats: BRICS endorsed India’s initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance. It encouraged member countries to cooperate on big-cat conservation.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anita Goswami

Anita Goswami is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she primarily covers Indian and international news. With four years of industry experience, she has led coverage of Indian General elections, Assembly elections, and national polls in the United States, Canada, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Her reporting covers global wars and major events, including Operation Sindoor, Sheikh Hasina's ouster and the Mahakumbh Mela. She verifies facts and uses clear sources to ensure accurate reporting. As former Chief Copy Editor at Storytailors, she managed teams to produce top-quality content for networks like NDTV, Profit, CNBC-TV18, Upstox and News18. Her work is featured in NDTV, Meaww, and Global Pulse. Throughout her tenure, Anita has collaborated with and been mentored by top industry experts. When not reading, Anita can be found outdoors or at a bakery. Fields of interest: Indian political history, international elections, historical policy analysis, global conflicts, cultural events, Formula 1, art, media ethics and reporting on socio-political change over time.

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