RismadarVoice Reporters
September 12, 2026
BRICS member states have agreed on a joint declaration at the bloc’s summit in New Delhi, India, overcoming divisions over the Middle East conflict in a significant test of its diplomatic unity.
The agreement was reached as leaders began summit discussions on Saturday amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States and a widening conflict involving Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen.
Four sources familiar with the negotiations said the declaration would not name any country but would condemn unilateral aggression by states. Leaders were expected to formally approve the document later on Saturday.
India played a central role in the negotiations, conducting consultations among members to bridge differences over contentious issues and secure consensus.
The agreement comes after BRICS foreign ministers failed to issue a joint statement at their meeting in New Delhi in May because of disagreements between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over the Gulf conflict.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hosted the summit, said BRICS had reached a stage where its unity and consensus must translate into concrete results on the international stage.
Modi also called for greater representation of developing countries in global decision-making, saying the Global South should have a stronger voice in shaping international affairs.
He renewed India’s demand for reform of the United Nations Security Council, including expanded membership and permanent seats for emerging powers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said BRICS countries should work towards a more equitable international order, while Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were among the leaders attending the summit.
BRICS is seeking a larger role in shaping global economic and political rules and has called for reforms of institutions including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organisation.
The group originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa but has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
The bloc represents more than 40 per cent of the world’s population and nearly a quarter of the global economy.
The New Delhi summit comes as India seeks to maintain diplomatic relations with the United States, Russia, Iran, Israel and Gulf Arab states while promoting greater trade and economic cooperation among BRICS members.
