BRICS joint declaration omits mention of US for Iran attacks

overcoming sharp divisions and emphasising the Global South's pivotal

role in future technologies and global governance.

Prime Minister proposes the Delhi Declaration at the BRICS inaugural

session, New Delhi, September 12, 2026.

India successfully steered the BRICS grouping to adopt a crucial joint

declaration, overcoming significant diplomatic hurdles, particularly

divisions between Iran and the UAE.

The declaration emphasises the Global South's role in shaping future

technologies and global governance, advocating for equal

participation.

BRICS leaders endorsed New Delhi's position to end the West Asia

conflict through 'dialogue and diplomacy' and called for maximum

restraint.

The grouping fully backed India's call for zero tolerance towards

terrorism, condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and rejecting double

standards.

BRICS also criticised trade-restrictive actions inconsistent with WTO

rules, including unilateral tariffs and protectionism under

environmental pretexts.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, the BRICS grouping adopted a

consensus joint declaration on Saturday after overcoming sharp

divisions between the United Arab Emirates and Tehran regarding the

West Asia conflict while notably omitting direct mention of the US for

its attacks on Iran.

The BRICS leaders appeared to endorse New Delhi's position to end the

conflict through "dialogue and diplomacy" and stressed the need to

work together to maintain a smooth flow of global trade, supply chains

and energy, in accordance with "applicable" international law.

Diplomatic Breakthrough and Consensus : Adopted on the opening day of the two-day summit, the BRICS

declaration is seen as a major triumph for Indian diplomacy.

The negotiations on the text of the declaration went down to the wire as both Iran and the UAE had hardened their positions initially. BRICS is a consensus-based grouping, meaning any single member can block a final joint declaration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the declaration

at the end of the opening day's deliberations in the presence of

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin,

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed

bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other top leaders of the bloc.

Addressing West Asia Tensions

"We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in

West Asia and, recalling our respective national positions, call for

exercising maximum restraint, as well as avoiding actions that could

further aggravate the situation," the declaration said.

"Furthermore, we urge to ensure the protection of civilians and

civilian infrastructure in accordance with the purposes and principles

of the Charter of the United Nations in their entirety and

interconnectedness, including respect for the sovereignty and

territorial integrity of the States," it said.

"We encourage increasing efforts, through dialogue and diplomacy,

towards a long-term understanding that will contribute to lasting

peace, security and stability in the region," it added.

The BRICS stressed the need to work together to maintain a smooth flow

of global trade, supply chains and energy, in accordance with

applicable international law.

The grouping also expressed "deep concern" over the continued violence

in Gaza despite the ceasefire agreement of October last year.

"We call for halting any policies aimed at forced displacement of

Palestinians from Gaza Strip and express concern regarding

arrangements that may prejudice the inalienable rights of the

Palestinian people and legitimise or prolong occupation," it said.

"We reaffirm that a just and lasting solution to the

Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means

and depends on the fulfilment of the legitimate rights of the

Palestinian people, including the rights to self-determination and

return," it said.

Combating Terrorism and Trade Protectionism

The BRICS also fully backed India's call for zero tolerance towards

any form of terrorism and shunning double standards in countering the

menace, as the top leaders of the influential grouping agreed to have

a concerted approach in dealing with the challenge.

The grouping also condemned in the "strongest terms" the Pahalgam

terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir last year that killed 26 people.

"We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms

and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists,

terrorism financing and safe havens," it said.

"We reiterate that terrorism should not be associated with any

religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group and that all those

involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held

accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant

national and international law," it said.

"We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double

standards in countering terrorism," it added.

The BRICS emphasised that it is the primary responsibility of states

in combating terrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter

terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under

international law, including the Charter of the UN.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and

Kashmir on April 22, 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many

more injured," it said.

The grouping also criticised the proliferation of "trade-restrictive

actions that are inconsistent with WTO rules, whether in the form of

indiscriminate rise in tariffs and non-tariff measures, or

protectionism under the guise of environmental objectives."

"We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and

non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO

rules," it said.