BRICS summit 2026: What are the key takeaways? - aljazeera.com

**BRICS Summit 2026: Key Takeaways from New Delhi**

The 18th BRICS summit, held in New Delhi from 15‑17 September, concluded with the adoption of the **New Delhi Declaration**, a document that emphasizes deeper economic integration, reform of multilateral institutions, and cooperation on climate resilience. Member states agreed to accelerate the creation of a **BRICS Development Bank** focused on infrastructure projects in emerging economies, and to expand the use of local currencies in trade to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. A joint statement also called for a “more inclusive and democratic” United Nations system, urging reforms that would give greater voice to developing nations.

A central theme of the summit was **security of critical minerals and technology**. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, warned against the “weaponisation” of essential raw materials such as rare earths, lithium, and cobalt, urging BRICS members to develop transparent supply chains and shared research hubs. Parallel discussions highlighted the need for cooperation in emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G/6G networks—to prevent their exploitation for geopolitical coercion. The summit also pledged coordinated action on cyber‑security threats and the establishment of a BRICS “Tech Forum” to oversee standards and ethical guidelines.

Beyond policy statements, the summit was marked by an intense **diplomatic sprint**. Prime Minister Modi hosted **15 bilateral meetings** over three days, engaging with leaders from Brazil, Russia, South Africa, and several observer nations. These talks produced a series of memoranda of understanding covering joint ventures in renewable energy, agricultural research, and defence procurement. Observers noted that the breadth of bilateral engagements underscored New Delhi’s ambition to position India as a bridge between the BRICS bloc and the broader Global South, while also showcasing the bloc’s collective resolve to shape a multipolar world order.