BRICS issues New Delhi Declaration, as UAE and Iran back down from tough positions - The Hindu

**BRICS leaders conclude New Delhi summit with adoption of the “New Delhi Declaration”** New Delhi – The six‑nation bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and the host, India, wrapped up a three‑day summit on September 12, 2026 by signing the “New Delhi Declaration: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The document, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlines a coordinated agenda that ranges from joint research in clean‑energy technologies to the creation of a BRICS‑wide digital‑infrastructure fund aimed at bolstering supply‑chain resilience among member states. In the opening session, Modi, President Xi Jin‑ping, President Vladimir Putin, President Lula da Silva, President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Jair Bolsonaro affirmed “bonhomie” and “car‑diplomacy,” swapping symbolic gifts of electric vehicles and showcasing a shared commitment to deepening economic ties.

A notable shift emerged as the United Arab Emirates and Iran, invited as dialogue partners, signaled a retreat from previously hard‑line positions that had threatened to stall consensus. The UAE, which had pressed for a stronger condemnation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, softened its language after bilateral talks with Modi, opting for a more generalized call for “regional peace and dialogue.” Iran, which had sought explicit opposition to sanctions on its energy sector, similarly back‑tracked, agreeing to the declaration’s more neutral phrasing on “respect for sovereign economic choices.” Analysts view these concessions as a pragmatic move to preserve the bloc’s unity and keep the focus on the declaration’s core pillars rather than geopolitically charged disputes.

Beyond the policy outcomes, the summit featured a series of symbolic gestures aimed at projecting a narrative of shared heritage and future‑oriented cooperation. On the first day, leaders planted saplings of the great banyan tree—a species revered in India for its longevity and expansive canopy—signalling a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. The evening gala dinner, held at the historic Rashtrapati Bhavan, blended cultural performances with diplomatic courtesies, while “car diplomacy” saw Indian-made Mahindra electric SUVs presented to Xi and Putin as tokens of emerging green‑technology collaboration. The summit’s final communiqué also included a brief “Pahalgam condemnation,” denouncing recent attacks on the Kashmir valley town, underscoring the bloc’s willingness to address security concerns that affect its members.