BRICS Consensus On Joint Statement A Win-Win Situation For India: SJM's Ashwani Mahajan

New Delhi, September 12, 2026: India has successfully maintained its strategic autonomy while ensuring its key concerns are reflected in the BRICS joint statement, according to Swadeshi Jagran Manch co-convener Ashwani Mahajan. The 11-nation grouping adopted the New Delhi Declaration at their 18th summit, which criticized Western trade barriers, named carbon border adjustment mechanisms for the first time, and called for sweeping reform of the World Trade Organization.

Mahajan highlighted that India's role in chairing the BRICS session, amidst global uncertainties from wars and conflicts, is more significant. He emphasized that the consensus on a joint statement is a win-win situation for India, as it enables the country to put forward its points while incorporating its members' concerns. Mahajan also advocated for trade in domestic currencies, against the weaponization of trade, critical minerals, and technology.

He suggested greater interoperability between a BRICS payment system and the existing SWIFT network, which could benefit the global trading system and potentially challenge SWIFT's monopoly.