BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration as PM Modi pushes Global South reform

BRICS adopted the New Delhi Declaration by consensus on Saturday, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough for India at the two-day summit in New Delhi.

The consensus came after sharp differences between Iran and the UAE over the West Asia conflict and a series of back-channel negotiations. The discussions on the declaration continued until the final stages as both countries had initially hardened their positions. BRICS follows a consensus-based system, allowing any single member to block a final joint declaration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the declaration at the end of the opening day’s deliberations. He was also seen shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the conclusion of the inaugural session.

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“Today’s discussion makes it evident that the changing world cannot be steered by outdated institutions; reforms are essential in representation, responsiveness and rule-making,” Modi said in his concluding remarks.

“We also emphasised that the Global South must have equal participation in the development of future technologies and the rules governing them.”

Sharing my concluding remarks during the BRICS Summit. pic.twitter.com/PNkEBxAD3O

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2026

The prime minister said the gap between decisions and their outcomes must be bridged through partnership and collective action.

“The New Delhi Declaration adopted today provides a clear direction for our shared resolve. It is now our responsibility to translate these resolutions into tangible results,” he said.

Global South must become a ‘rule shaper’

Earlier on Saturday, while opening the two-day annual BRICS summit, Modi said the Global South must become a “rule shaper” to deal with various challenges facing the world.

He said BRICS has established a distinct identity on the global stage and stressed that the grouping is not against anyone, in remarks seen as a message to the US and other Western powers.

Xi Jinping lands in Delhi for BRICS Summit

“Today, the Global South stands in the front row of global crises but in the back row of the decision-making process. We must transform this ‘pyramid of privilege’ into a ‘platform of partnership’ — one where every nation has a voice, every member has a stake, and the development of humanity lies at the heart of every effort,” Modi said.

“In this regard, I propose that we jointly formulate 10 proposals for global governance reform, aiming to shape them into a BRICS reform roadmap by the time of the next summit,” Modi said.

In another address, Modi said the existing global governance structure must move away from a “pyramid of privilege” towards a “platform of partnership”.

“The current structure of global governance resembles a pyramid: power and decision-making are concentrated at the top, while the lower tiers consist of nations that are affected by these decisions but unable to shape them,” Modi said.

He said reforms should focus on representation, responsiveness and rule-making.

” In formulating this roadmap, we must focus on three key aspects: representation, responsiveness, and rule-making.”

On representation, Modi said reform of the UN Security Council can no longer be postponed and that negotiations must be brought under a definite timeframe and clear outcomes.

#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BRICS Leaders participate in a joint tree plantation at the outside lawns of Bharat Mandapam.

(Video: DD News) pic.twitter.com/UcOVm0V2Ly

— ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2026

“The UNSC reforms can no longer wait,” he said.

He also called for changes in financial institutions.

“Similarly, voting power, leadership positions and policy priorities within financial institutions must align with today’s economic realities. Countries that drive global economic growth should also play an appropriate role in shaping global economic governance,” he said.

Modi said equal participation in defining future global rules was equally important.

“Domains such as artificial intelligence, cyberspace, outer space, biotechnology, and critical technologies are not only shaping future opportunities but also defining future rules.”

“We must strive to transform the Global South from a ‘rule-follower’ into a ‘rule-shaper’,” he said.

10-point roadmap for global governance reform

Modi proposed that BRICS jointly formulate a 10-point roadmap for global governance reform under the broader framework of the grouping’s reform roadmap. He said the roadmap should be finalised by the time of the next summit.

The call came as trade friction and geopolitical instability create growing economic headwinds.

The New Delhi summit is taking place amid the adverse impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, the West Asia crisis, particularly the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and the Trump administration’s trade and tariff policies.

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As BRICS chair, India has placed the Global South at the centre of its agenda, focusing on actionable solutions for food, energy and supply chain security, primarily to insulate developing nations from the economic consequences of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

Seafarers’ emergency support network proposed

Modi also proposed a ‘Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network’ to safeguard sailors facing heightened risks from global and regional crises.

He highlighted the role of seafarers in global trade and said their safety should be a priority.

“Seafarers make a massive contribution to global trade, yet they often find themselves lacking support during difficult times. I propose that we establish a ‘Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network’,” he said.

“This would connect the maritime authorities and diplomatic missions of relevant countries, facilitating assistance with distress alerts, medical aid, family notifications, and evacuations,” he said.

After the West Asia conflict began in February, India has been critical of Iranian attacks on merchant vessels near the Strait of Hormuz that have killed and injured Indian seafarers. Ten Indian seafarers are among the 16 Indians killed so far in the West Asia conflict.

Modi seeks stronger BRICS for next 20 years

Modi said this year’s summit marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS and described the moment as a new phase of maturity and responsibility for the grouping.

“This year’s BRICS summit marks a historic milestone. We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of BRICS. In human life, the age of 20 marks the beginning of a new phase of maturity and responsibility,” he said.

Modi said BRICS has reached a moment of “coming of age” and has established a distinct identity on the global stage.

“We respect each other’s perspectives and move forward through consensus. We strive to advance not by opposing anyone, but by taking everyone along.

“Now is the time for us to translate our unity and consensus within BRICS into tangible results on the global stage,” he said.

He called for a “new and ambitious agenda” for the grouping’s next 20 years and said work should begin with BRICS’ internal working systems.

“We need to work on a new and ambitious agenda for the next 20 years. We must begin this process with our own internal working systems. While the BRICS presidency rotates annually, this should not disrupt our institutional momentum,” he said.

Modi also called for a BRICS continuity and implementation mechanism.

“This would enable the follow-up of all initiatives and outcomes through the ‘Troika’ arrangement. We could also create a secure digital repository to record the nodal point, timeframe, and implementation status associated with every decision,” he said.

The summit was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Other leaders attending the summit are Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.