‘New Delhi Declaration’: BRICS Calls for Maximum Restraint Amid Middle East Crisis
The BRICS bloc of emerging economies has expressed deep concern over the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the Middle East and West Asia. The bloc called on all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation.
On the first day of the 18th BRICS Summit, held in India’s capital New Delhi on Saturday (September 12), member states unanimously adopted a joint resolution titled the “New Delhi Declaration 2026”.
The declaration said the escalating violence and instability in the Middle East pose a serious threat to global peace and the economy. It strongly called for an end, at all costs, to attacks on civilians and nuclear facilities operating under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The member states reached the joint declaration after lengthy diplomatic discussions and negotiations that continued until late at night under the leadership of host country India. Bringing countries with opposing positions on the Middle East issue, including new BRICS members Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to the same table and reaching a unanimous decision is being viewed as a major diplomatic success for India.
At the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on BRICS to play a mediating role in establishing peace in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised bringing the Global South, or developing world, into the mainstream of global decision-making.
The joint declaration called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the provision of unconditional humanitarian assistance, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with international law.
