The 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi produced agreements on trade, global governance, and technology while exposing the challenges of finding common ground among an increasingly diverse membership.
New Delhi, India (Running Africa) — Leaders of the expanded BRICS bloc met in New Delhi on September 12–13 against a backdrop of wars, trade tensions, and growing competition over technology and global influence.
The summit produced the New Delhi Declaration, setting out common positions on international security, tariffs, sanctions, cross-border payments, artificial intelligence, and reform of global institutions.
For Africa and the wider Global South, the summit also reinforced BRICS’ push for greater representation of developing countries in international decision-making.
Here are five key takeaways.
1. BRICS Choose Cautious Language on the Middle East
The conflict involving Iran presented a difficult test for a bloc whose members have differing regional relationships and interests.
BRICS leaders expressed “deep concern” over escalating tensions in the Middle East and called for maximum restraint, dialogue and diplomacy.
The language stopped short of assigning responsibility for the wider escalation, illustrating the challenge of reaching consensus within an expanded grouping that includes both Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
2. BRICS Opposed Unilateral Tariffs and Sanctions
Trade emerged as another major issue.
The declaration raised concerns about unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that BRICS members said distort international trade and conflict with World Trade Organization rules.
It also reiterated its opposition to unilateral sanctions not authorized by the UN Security Council.
Rather than naming individual countries, BRICS called for stronger cooperation to protect global trade, supply chains, and energy flows.
3. De-Dollarization Focused on Payments, Not a BRICS Currency
Despite recurring speculation about a BRICS common currency, the summit focused on more immediate financial measures.
Members backed greater use of national currencies in trade and investment while continuing work on cross-border payment and settlement systems.
The approach reflects an effort to expand financial options among BRICS economies rather than to launch a single currency capable of immediately replacing the US dollar.
4. Artificial Intelligence and Technology Gain Importance
Technology featured prominently in the New Delhi Declaration, with BRICS calling for greater international cooperation on artificial intelligence, including access, safety, innovation, and governance.
The declaration also highlighted the need for developing economies to have a stronger voice as global rules governing AI and emerging technologies take shape.
For African BRICS members, including South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia, debates over access to technology, digital infrastructure, and AI governance are particularly relevant as the continent seeks a larger role in the global digital economy.
5. Palestine and Global Governance Remained Major Priorities
BRICS adopted extensive language on Palestine, opposing forced displacement and reaffirming support for humanitarian access, UNRWA, and full United Nations membership for Palestine.
The bloc also reiterated support for a two-state solution, including a sovereign Palestinian state within internationally recognized 1967 borders.
Beyond the Middle East, leaders again called for reforms to international institutions and greater representation for emerging and developing countries.
That agenda remains particularly significant for Africa, which has long sought greater representation within institutions such as the UN Security Council and the international financial system.
The New Delhi summit demonstrated both the growing scope of BRICS and the difficulties of maintaining consensus as its membership expands. The declaration outlined ambitious cooperation across trade, finance, technology, and global governance, while its cautious handling of divisive geopolitical conflicts showed the limits of what an increasingly diverse bloc can collectively agree on.
