The BRICS summit concluded with a joint declaration, a move achieved by sidestepping sharp disagreements among member nations. The "New Delhi Declaration" was adopted on the first day of the summit, but its contents reflect a consensus reached by excluding divisive topics.
On the conflict in the Middle East, the declaration calls for "maximum restraint" and condemns "attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities" without assigning blame. It also reiterates support for a two-state solution and opposes actions that could "legitimise or prolong occupation," framing the issue around existing UN resolutions.
Notably absent from the declaration is any mention of Russia's war in Ukraine, a departure from previous BRICS statements. This caution extends to trade matters, where the declaration lists concerns over "indiscriminate rising tariffs" and condemns unilateral sanctions. However, it stops short of naming the United States, likely an effort to avoid potential political repercussions.
According to Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, the indirect approach, particularly in condemning the Middle East conflict without naming parties, bears the hallmark of India's diplomatic strategy. Donthi also noted that the strong reference to tariffs, despite potential reluctance to antagonize the U.S., might indicate a chance for members to express displeasure. Several BRICS members have been wary of drawing criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously characterized the group's proposals as "anti-American."
While BRICS members share a common goal of establishing a new global order, the summit highlighted the difficulty in agreeing on its replacement and the path to achieve it. The summit saw Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines. Leaders such as Russia's President Vladimir Putin, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and China's President Xi Jinping were present for group photographs.