Knowledge Nugget | BRICS Summit 2026: New Delhi Declaration, key takeaways and what was left unsaid

The 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi on September 13, 2026, adopting the New Delhi Declaration. This declaration outlined shared positions on various global issues, including trade, terrorism, artificial intelligence, and institutional reform. The summit took place against a backdrop of tariffs, trade tensions, and geopolitical fragmentation, with the theme of "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability."

Key highlights included the establishment of a 'Seafarers' Emergency Support Network' proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at ensuring the safety of seafarers and securing maritime trade routes. Additionally, the group announced four agriculture initiatives focusing on Agroecology, Regenerative Agriculture, Digital Agriculture, and the creation of a BRICS AGRIN network.

The BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism was proposed to track the progress of initiatives through the Troika framework, comprising past, current, and incoming chairs. A nodal body, NIMHANS, was designated to oversee BRICS Centres of Excellence focused on mental health. BRICS also reinforced its commitment to enhancing transport infrastructure, including civil aviation, while respecting the sovereignty of member states.

Education cooperation was highlighted, with a focus on Early Childhood Care and Education and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy. The BRICS Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Cooperation Alliance was emphasized, along with the consideration of traditional and indigenous knowledge systems within the Network University.

Progress was made in finalizing the amendment to the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC) Agreement, establishing a virtual network of observation satellites from India, China, and Russia. The declaration also called for the creation of a BRICS Science and Research Repository, a platform for knowledge sharing among BRICS countries while adhering to data security and intellectual property rights. Lastly, the members condemned unilateral tariffs and backed reforms in the World Trade Organization (WTO).