BRICS Leaders Adopt New Delhi Declaration and Push Financial Reforms at September Summit
The expanded BRICS alliance adopted the New Delhi Declaration at its summit held from September 11 to 13, 2026, according to IndepthNews. Under India’s chairmanship, the eleven member states agreed to promote local-currency trade, enhance cross-border payment systems, and demand structural reforms at the United Nations Security Council, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the gathering by warning that mounting geopolitical conflicts increasingly harm ordinary people worldwide. The number of conflicts and tensions in the world is continuously increasing, and this is having an increasingly negative and far-reaching impact on the lives of ordinary people,
Modi said during the summit, appearing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
New Delhi Summit Focuses on Resilience and Financial Autonomy
Operating under the strategic theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” the New Delhi Declaration addresses food security, energy, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and climate action.
This is Delhi. This is the moment.With its heritage glowing and Bharat Mandapam gearing up, the capital puts the finishing touches in place for the 18th BRICS Summit.#BRICS2026 #BRICSIndia2026 #IndiaBRICSChairship pic.twitter.com/2HBXHFfnD0
The group’s financial arm, the New Development Bank, has approved more than $32 billion for 96 infrastructure projects as of 2025. During India’s 2026 presidency, the bank incorporated Bangladesh, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay as members.
African Member States Shift toward Assertive Flexibility
African members such as South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia are using BRICS to pursue development while retaining ties with Western partners. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the leaders who joined the BRICS summit alongside others including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While maintaining relationships with Western partners, these African nations are using the bloc to pursue development and build an Asian model of economic alliance. South Africa is a founding member of the bloc, while Ethiopia and Egypt are among the new members of the expanded group.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 BRICS Summit
When and where did the 2026 BRICS summit take place?
The summit took place in New Delhi from September 11 to 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of India.
How many nations currently belong to BRICS?
The bloc has expanded to 11 full member countries, collectively representing about half of the world’s population and a significant share of global economic output.
What is the New Development Bank’s current lending capacity?
The New Development Bank has authorized lending of up to $34 billion annually and had approved more than $32 billion for 96 projects by 2025.
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