BRICS, a group of non-Western emerging economies led by China and Russia, has issued a joint statement opposing unilateral sanctions and trade restrictions that violate international law. Amid the prolonged conflict in Iran, the group called for restraint in the Middle East and emphasized energy security and the increased influence of the Global South in international affairs.
On September 12, BRICS leaders unanimously adopted the '2026 New Delhi Declaration' during the 18th summit held in New Delhi, India, according to reports from Russian news agency RIA Novosti and Reuters.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, "No member country raised any objections," confirming the unanimous adoption of the declaration.
The leaders expressed opposition to unilateral sanctions that violate international law and urged relevant countries in the Middle East to exercise restraint. They also voiced concerns over the growing nuclear threats and risks of conflict worldwide.
The statement did not specify any particular country as responsible for sanctions or the Middle Eastern conflict. However, given the ongoing war between the U.S. and Iran, the declaration signifies BRICS' formal stance on Middle Eastern issues.
In the realm of trade, the leaders expressed serious concerns about the increasing unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures that distort trade and violate World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations. They focused on the need for adherence to multilateral trade order and WTO rules without directly mentioning the tariff policies of specific countries.
Energy supply chains were also a key agenda item. The leaders emphasized the need to strengthen energy security and ensure stable and smooth energy supplies, particularly in light of the heightened uncertainty in the international oil market due to deteriorating conditions in the Middle East.
The leaders called for reforms in international organizations to enhance the representation of emerging countries in the global economic and security order. Prime Minister Modi likened the current global cooperation framework to a 'pyramid' where power and decision-making are concentrated in a few countries, asserting that UN Security Council reform can no longer be delayed.
He stated, "Countries in the Global South are at the forefront of global crises but are lagging in decision-making processes," emphasizing the need to restructure global cooperation around representation, responsiveness, and rule-making.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also supported the need for expanding the UN Security Council, stating that increasing the representation of Asian, African, and Latin American countries would enhance the UN's functionality.
The summit was attended by key leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Putin. Reports indicate that Prime Minister Modi, President Xi, and President Putin engaged in informal discussions during their travels.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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