Delhi's BRICS moment: A bite without teeth

In New Delhi, 11 leaders gathered for the 18th BRICS Summit, which culminated in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on September 12. This extensive document, spanning 140 points, encompasses a wide range of issues. It calls for United Nations Security Council reform, challenges unilateral sanctions, advocates for an equitable energy transition, and emphasizes cooperation on critical minerals and artificial intelligence.

The declaration also pushes for trade settlement in local currencies, addresses food security, health, and disaster response concerns.

Despite its comprehensive nature, the declaration falls short in addressing the Middle East crisis, a region where the members exhibit the most significant divisions. Opting for safety over substance, the bloc chose to avoid controversy over Middle Eastern issues, which aligns with the interests of its more conservative members.

Despite the procedural success, the declaration lacks substantial consensus. When the bloc's interests align, the document takes a firm stance. It explicitly rebukes unilateral economic sanctions, reflecting shared grievances among its members. It also criticizes trade-distorting tariffs, a clear nod to Western protectionism concerns.

On energy matters, it strikes a balance between promoting renewables and acknowledging the continued reliance on fossil fuels, a compromise that satisfies the oil-exporting Gulf states and coal-dependent members. In the realm of technology, the BRICS group positions itself as a leader in AI governance, rather than simply adopting external frameworks.

For India, securing a specific condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack holds particular significance as the host nation. The declaration's scope, while impressive, demonstrates that achieving consensus on such a lengthy and complex document is a remarkable diplomatic accomplishment for the host country.