BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs adopt joint statement following meeting in New Delhi

The two-day meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs in New Delhi concluded with the adoption of a joint statement. The text was published on the website of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Across 63 points, the foreign ministers of the BRICS countries outlined a coordinated position on a range of global and regional issues. The statement reflects the themes and priorities expected to be discussed at the upcoming BRICS Summit under India’s Chairmanship in September 2026.

Key themes of the joint statement

BRICS as a platform for advancing common priorities

The ministers expressed support for India’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2026. It is being held under the motto "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting the view that cooperation within the group can help address shared challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner.

Reform of the United Nations (UN)

The ministers reaffirmed their support for reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative and effective. They particularly stressed the need to increase the representation of developing countries, including BRICS members, within the Council, which would strengthen the voice of the Global South.

Strengthening food security

The ministers underscored the importance of ensuring food security and nutrition. In this regard, they highlighted the need to further develop the initiative to establish a BRICS Grain Exchange and subsequently expand it to include other agricultural products and commodities. They also noted that family farmers, including small-scale farms in local communities, play an important role in agriculture and food systems.

Preserving global biodiversity

The ministers called on countries to share technologies aimed at protecting global biodiversity. They stressed the crucial role of all types of forests, including tropical forests, in preserving biodiversity and absorbing carbon. Their importance in protecting watersheds and soils, as well as providing timber and non-timber forest products of high economic value, was also recognised. The ministers highlighted the need to combat desertification and land degradation and praised BRICS countries for their efforts to protect rare animal species.

Cooperation in healthcare

The ministers welcomed deeper cooperation in healthcare, including within the framework of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and stressed the importance of equitable, accessible and sustainable healthcare systems. They reaffirmed their commitment to developing cooperation in emerging priority areas, including digital healthcare and nuclear medicine.

Artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable development

The ministers recognised that artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities to stimulate economic growth and sustainable development. They also noted that international cooperation in this field is essential for the future of Global South countries, as it improves access to AI resources and supports scientific and technological innovation.

The joint statement reflected a broad agenda of multilateral cooperation. The meeting of BRICS foreign ministers was held in New Delhi on 14–15 May in an expanded format with the participation of representatives from BRICS partner countries. In the statement, the ministers acknowledged the valuable contribution of partner states to BRICS cooperation and expressed confidence that further expansion of engagement would strengthen the spirit of solidarity and genuine international cooperation for the benefit of all.

Following the meeting in New Delhi, the BRICS foreign ministers also supported the further expansion of membership in the New Development Bank (NDB). The 11th Annual Meeting of the NDB Board of Governors was taking place simultaneously in Moscow.