BRICS Backs UN Reform, Gives Global South Stronger Voice In New Delhi Declaration

BRICS leaders have adopted the New Delhi Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to reforming global governance institutions and giving developing countries a stronger voice in international decision-making.

The declaration was adopted at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, where leaders also stressed the need to strengthen multilateralism and make global institutions more representative, inclusive and responsive to contemporary realities.

Briefing journalists after the leaders’ session, Secretary (Economic Relations) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Sudhakar Dalela, said the summit was a significant milestone for BRICS as India assumed the chairmanship for the fourth time in the year the bloc marks 20 years of institutionalised cooperation.

According to Dalela, India’s chairmanship has been driven by the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” with emphasis on practical, forward-looking and people-centred cooperation.

He said India had convened more than 350 meetings since assuming the chairmanship in January, covering ministerial engagements, working groups, business forums and people-centred initiatives.

The leaders’ meeting focused on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism,” with participants agreeing on the need for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to improve the representation of developing countries.

They also called for reforms to the international financial architecture to give the Global South a greater voice and role in global economic decision-making. Leaders reaffirmed the principles of mutual respect, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness and consensus as the basis for BRICS cooperation.

Discussions also covered ongoing geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainties, with leaders stressing diplomacy, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BRICS to remain focused on strengthening the voice of the Global South while pursuing practical cooperation capable of delivering development and improving the lives of citizens.

Modi proposed four new initiatives: a BRICS Troika mechanism, a roadmap on global governance reform, a Seafarer Emergency Support Initiative Network to assist seafarers in distress worldwide, and a Global South Negotiation Support Initiative to build the capacity of officials and young professionals in emerging areas including technology and global rule-making.

Dalela described the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration as one of the major outcomes of India’s chairmanship, saying it demonstrated the ability of BRICS members to reach consensus on issues of global importance.

A fact sheet released alongside the declaration identified more than 50 practical outcomes across the four priority areas of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

The summit also featured environmental and commemorative activities, including a joint tree-planting initiative reflecting BRICS’ commitment to sustainability and climate action, as well as the release of a commemorative postal stamp marking two decades of the grouping’s cooperation.