Opinion | India, And A New BRICS Era of Cooperation And Reform

Updated: Sep 15, 2026 18:33 pm IST Published On Sep 15, 2026 18:33 pm IST Last Updated On Sep 15, 2026 18:33 pm IST

Published On Sep 15, 2026 18:33 pm IST

Last Updated On Sep 15, 2026 18:33 pm IST

At a time when global geopolitics is defined by polarisation, systemic fragmentation, and regional conflict, the successful conclusion of the 18th BRICS Summit under India's chairship stands out as a significant triumph of astute and consummate diplomacy as well as adept and insightful leadership. Through patient dialogue, strategic neutrality, and pragmatic compromise, India steered the grouping to adopt the comprehensive New Delhi Declaration titled ''Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'' on the first day of the Summit on September 12, 2026.

The achievement of a consensus declaration at the summit level is particularly striking when viewed against the backdrop of earlier deliberations. During the preceding meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers in May 2026, member states were unable to agree on a consensus statement due to sharp ideological and geopolitical differences. The central diplomatic friction stemmed from competing regional perspectives in West Asia, with Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia being at war and holding vastly different geopolitical priorities and strategic alignments in the region. India, however, acted as a bridge-builder to bring all contending parties on the same page.

This was achieved by delivering a strong, unified response in the Declaration to the escalating crisis in West Asia, explicitly denouncing unilateral military actions and acts of war. They expressed deep concern over "deliberate attacks" on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities, a tacit condemnation of recent US-Israeli strikes in Iran without mentioning any country by name. Demanding maximum restraint and immediate de-escalation, the bloc firmly opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians, while advocating for dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law

India's BRICS Chairmanship was anchored in a clear, human-centric vision focusing on Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability. Moving past abstract geopolitical grandstanding, India anchored the summit's agenda around tangible, practical, useful, and functional solutions for real-world development and benefits to common people.

A core pillar of this effort was amplifying the voice of the broader Global South - extending the........

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