Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Congress Questions BRICS Declaration Over Border, Terrorism Omissions
India hosted a meeting of BRICS countries and partner nations.
The meeting produced a document called the New Delhi Declaration.
It called for changes to international institutions and strongly opposed terrorism.
Congress leaders said the document did not directly discuss India’s concerns about Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
They also said it condemned the Pahalgam attack without naming who carried it out.
They argued that this meant the meeting was not a major diplomatic victory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed finding a fair solution to the India-China border issue.
The declaration also called for more cooperation against extremism and radicalization.
The BRICS New Delhi Declaration called for reforms to multilateral institutions and strongly condemned terrorism.
Congress criticized the declaration for not naming China over Arunachal Pradesh or Ladakh-related concerns.
Congress leader Rashid Alvi said the declaration condemned the Pahalgam attack without identifying those responsible.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed a mutually acceptable resolution to the boundary question.
India hosted the BRICS Summit with leaders from 11 member countries, 10 partner nations and international organizations.
- Who
- India, BRICS member and partner countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Congress leaders including Nana Patole, Rashid Alvi and Ajay Rai.
- What
- The BRICS New Delhi Declaration was adopted, prompting Congress to question its benefits and its treatment of India’s border and terrorism concerns.
- When
- The declaration was adopted on Saturday during India’s weekend-hosted BRICS Summit.
- Where
- The summit was hosted in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The summit sought greater cooperation among BRICS countries, including on international institutions, terrorism, trade, food, energy, rare earths and maritime routes.
Congress’s Criticism
Government and BRICS Position
Border concerns
Congress’s Criticism
Congress said the Prime Minister should directly demand China’s withdrawal from territories it alleged China has occupied, including Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
Government and BRICS Position
During discussions with Xi Jinping, Modi emphasized that border stability was central to India-China relations, while both leaders committed to pursuing a mutually acceptable boundary resolution.
Pahalgam attack wording
Congress’s Criticism
Congress said condemning terrorism and the Pahalgam attack without naming those responsible did not constitute a diplomatic win.
Government and BRICS Position
The declaration condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in the strongest terms and called for greater cooperation against extremism and radicalization.
Value of the summit
Congress’s Criticism
Congress leaders said the practical benefit of the summit for India and its citizens remained unclear.
Government and BRICS Position
The summit’s stated agenda included reforms to multilateral institutions and cooperation on food, energy, rare earths and strategic maritime routes.
- Declaration
- The New Delhi Declaration called for reforms to multilateral institutions and strongly condemned terrorism.
- Pahalgam attack
- The declaration condemned the attack in the strongest terms but did not identify those responsible, according to Congress leader Rashid Alvi.
- Border discussions
- Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question.
- Congress criticism
- Congress said the declaration did not mention Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh or the Pahalgam attack in the way it expected.
- Summit participation
- The meeting brought together leaders from 11 BRICS member countries, 10 partner nations and several international organizations.
- Other declaration language
- The declaration denounced unilateral acts of war amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.