Brics summit 2026 Delhi: Iran war reshapes ties but exposes divides

The summit succeeded in delivering a joint declaration when divisions among members have rarely been so glaring.

Twice earlier this year, meetings between Brics ministers had failed to produce a joint statement. This time a consensus was reached, but by side-stepping issues that members sharply disagree on, with few solutions.

The “New Delhi Declaration” was adopted on the first day of the summit. But what is striking is what it doesn’t say.

On the war in the Middle East, the declaration urges “maximum restraint”. It also condemns “attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities” but assigns no blame.

It reiterates support for a two-state solution, opposes forced displacement of Palestinians or actions that could “legitimise or prolong occupation”, framing it carefully around existing UN resolutions.

It makes no mention at all of Russia’s war in Ukraine, a departure from previous Brics declarations.

There is similar caution on trade. It lists concerns over “indiscriminate rising tariffs” and condemns unilateral sanctions but stops short of naming the US, and is likely to avoid Washington’s ire.

Several Brics members would have been loath to draw President Donald Trump’s anger, as he has previously called the group’s proposals, including potentially linking central-bank digital currencies for cross-border trade, “anti-American”.

“Not mentioning any country by name, even as they condemned the conflict in the Middle East, bears the hallmark of India,” says Praveen Donthi, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group.

“I was pleasantly surprised that there was a strong reference to tariffs, because India could have wanted to be less direct about it, but perhaps this was a chance to convey their displeasure,” he added.