BRICS leaders adopt New Delhi Declaration at 18th Summit

BRICS leaders have unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026 at the 18th BRICS Summit in the Indian capital, outlining the group’s key priorities in sustainable growth, innovation, finance, healthcare, energy and people-to-people exchanges. The full text of the declaration is available on the official website of India’s BRICS Chairship.

The document places particular emphasis on a practical, inclusive and people-centred approach, reflecting the priorities of India’s 2026 BRICS chairship and the group’s focus on delivering tangible results.

“We reaffirm our commitment to advancing cooperation on the thematic priorities, particularly through strengthening capacities, promoting innovation, and advancing sustainable development and resilience,” the declaration states.

More than 400 meetings and engagements involving ministers, parliamentarians, officials, experts, businesses and representatives of civil society were held across 30 Indian cities within the BRICS framework during the year. According to the document, these activities contributed to collective resilience, innovation-driven economic growth and long-term sustainability.

The participants also underscored the growing role of BRICS partner countries and called for their broader involvement in practical joint initiatives.

“We reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusive, mutually beneficial and development-orientated partnerships with partner countries,” the document says.

Sustainable progress remains another major focus. BRICS members reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the UN 2030 Agenda and its people-centred Sustainable Development Goals.

Healthcare ties are also set to expand. The declaration encourages closer interaction among BRICS medical product regulatory authorities and supports extending existing mechanisms to regulators from all member countries. The initiative is intended to improve the availability and accessibility of quality, safe and effective medical products.

Energy innovation is another practical area of joint work. BRICS representatives pointed to the potential of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to improve energy planning, grid management, renewable energy integration and operational efficiency. The declaration welcomes the BRICS Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage, as well as India’s initiative to establish a BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage.

The document also backs closer ties in financial research and financial technology. BRICS members welcomed the continued work of the BRICS Think Tank Network for Finance, including its research into the use of fintech for inclusive growth and the financing of resilient infrastructure.

At the institutional level, the declaration calls for broader participation by emerging markets and developing countries in global decision-making, with particular attention to Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The leaders stressed the importance of interaction that reflects national circumstances and different pathways while delivering shared benefits. The declaration describes the Global South as an important contributor to international progress and confirms BRICS’ intention to reinforce its role in global governance.