BRICS Summit 2026 LIVE updates: New Delhi Declaration backs multilateralism, peace and deeper BRICS cooperation

What priorities did the New Delhi Declaration set for BRICS cooperation?

The New Delhi Declaration sets a broad agenda for BRICS cooperation. Its central goal is stronger multilateralism, meaning countries work through shared international frameworks. It also seeks greater representation for developing countries and deeper economic cooperation. These priorities matter because BRICS wants global decision-making to reflect more countries and regions.

The declaration supports practical cooperation too. Members want stronger systems for cross-border payments, closer trade ties, better energy security, and collaboration in technology and artificial intelligence. These tools can make economic links more efficient and reduce vulnerabilities when countries face financial or supply disruptions.

The declaration also emphasizes dialogue and diplomacy. It urges peaceful engagement over conflicts in West Asia and other global hotspots. Together, these priorities show BRICS combining economic coordination with political advocacy. If cooperation advances, the group could influence debates on global governance, finance, technology and security while continuing to argue for a more inclusive international order.

What is BRICS, and why was this group created?

BRICS is a cooperation group originally formed around Brazil, Russia, India and China. The acronym BRIC was introduced in 2001, and the countries began meeting as leaders in 2009. South Africa joined in 2010, creating BRICS. The group was created because these large emerging economies wanted to coordinate positions and gain more influence in global affairs.

Its members share interests in areas such as development, trade, finance and international governance. They have also criticized global institutions for giving established powers greater influence than developing countries. Cooperation lets members discuss common priorities and support changes to bodies such as international financial institutions.

BRICS is not a military alliance or a single market. It is a political and economic coordination forum. Its importance has grown as members seek stronger links in payments, energy, technology and trade. The New Delhi Declaration reflects that original purpose while extending it toward a broader, more representative global order.

How large is BRICS in terms of member countries, population, territory and share of the global economy?

BRICS is a large grouping by population, territory and economic weight. Using the expanded group of ten commonly counted full members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia—it represents roughly 48 percent of the world’s population. Its members cover about 36 percent of global land area.

Measured by purchasing-power parity, the group accounts for approximately 40 percent of global economic output. That measure compares what economies can buy domestically. It differs from nominal GDP, which uses market exchange rates and gives a different share. Population and economic estimates also change as membership changes.

These figures explain BRICS’ political importance. It combines China and India’s enormous populations with Russia’s and Brazil’s vast territories and major resources. The expanded membership adds African, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian voices. The New Delhi Declaration’s call for greater representation therefore comes from a group with substantial global scale.

Why do BRICS countries want developing countries to have greater representation in global institutions?

BRICS wants developing countries to have greater representation because global institutions often reflect power arrangements from an earlier era. Major emerging economies now account for large populations, territories and shares of world production. Yet their influence in some decision-making bodies does not always match their economic and demographic weight.

For example, BRICS calls for a more balanced voice in global governance while seeking deeper cooperation among developing countries. Its members can coordinate positions before discussions on finance, trade, development or security. A larger collective voice may strengthen demands for reforms in international institutions.

The current reality is that representation depends on negotiated rules, not population alone. Established powers may resist changes that reduce their influence. Still, the New Delhi Declaration shows BRICS continuing to link economic cooperation with institutional reform. If its members maintain common positions, they could make debates about voting power, leadership and policy priorities harder to ignore.

What could happen to international trade and financial dependence if BRICS countries cooperate more closely on cross-border payments?

Cooperation on cross-border payments could change how BRICS members settle trade. Today, international transactions often depend on established financial networks, banks and widely used currencies. Building stronger links among members could give businesses more ways to pay and receive money across borders.

For example, compatible payment systems could allow an importer in one BRICS country to pay an exporter in another more directly. Local-currency settlement or linked platforms could reduce conversion steps, fees and exposure to disruptions in outside channels. The mechanism is practical interoperability: banks and payment systems must securely recognize, clear and settle transactions.

The likely result would be more financial diversification, not instant independence. Members have different regulations, currencies, technologies and levels of trust. They would need shared standards and reliable safeguards. If cooperation succeeds, it could support trade and reduce dependence on existing channels. It could also strengthen BRICS’ broader push for economic autonomy and a more balanced global system.

How has BRICS changed since its creation, and how has its role in global politics evolved?

BRICS began as BRIC, involving Brazil, Russia, India and China. The leaders’ forum started in 2009, and South Africa joined in 2010. More recently, the group expanded to include countries from Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This growth changed BRICS from a compact emerging-economy grouping into a broader coalition.

Its original focus centered on coordination among major developing economies and reform of global financial governance. Over time, members added practical cooperation in areas such as development, trade, energy and finance. The group also created institutions such as the New Development Bank, giving its agenda an operational dimension.

Politically, BRICS now presents itself as a voice for a more inclusive and balanced global order. The New Delhi Declaration shows this wider role. It addresses representation, cross-border payments, technology, artificial intelligence and conflicts. Its influence depends on whether members can overcome different interests and turn shared statements into sustained cooperation.

What is multilateralism, and how does it help countries manage conflicts, trade and shared global problems?

Multilateralism is an approach in which several countries work together through dialogue, shared rules and international institutions. It differs from acting alone or relying only on one-to-one deals. It matters because conflicts, trade disruptions, financial risks and technology challenges often cross borders.

For conflicts, multilateral forums provide channels for negotiation and diplomacy. For trade, countries can discuss common rules and reduce uncertainty for businesses. For shared problems such as energy security or financial instability, cooperation can combine resources and coordinate responses. The New Delhi Declaration illustrates this approach by calling for stronger multilateralism while supporting cooperation on payments, trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence.

Multilateralism does not guarantee agreement. Countries still have competing interests, and decisions can be slow. However, regular dialogue may reduce misunderstandings and create practical compromises. BRICS’ support for it reflects a wider demand for a global order that includes developing countries more fully and manages disputes through diplomacy rather than unilateral action.

Key Facts:

📌 BRICS called for stronger multilateralism.

📌 The declaration supports cooperation on payments, trade, energy and technology.

📌 BRICS urged dialogue and diplomacy over conflicts.

📌 BRIC originally included Brazil, Russia, India and China.

📌 South Africa joined in 2010, creating BRICS.

📌 BRICS is a cooperation forum, not a military alliance.

📌 Ten commonly counted BRICS members represent roughly 48% of global population.