Archive · 13 Sep 2026
BRICS Declaration Balances Ukraine, Iran, Gaza and Tariff Disputes
BRICS countries agreed on a long declaration after carefully avoiding subjects that could split them apart.
The document discussed trade, health, artificial intelligence, and tourism.
It did not mention the war in Ukraine, apparently because Russia is part of BRICS.
The countries criticized sanctions and tariffs without directly naming the United States.
They supported Iran joining the World Trade Organization.
They also condemned attacks on civilian and nuclear facilities.
On Gaza, they opposed forcing Palestinians from their homes and criticized actions that could extend occupation.
The declaration also repeated a condemnation of the 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
The 45-page Delhi 2026 BRICS declaration secured consensus by softening divisive geopolitical language.
It omitted any reference to Ukraine, Russia’s invasion, or related sanctions.
Members criticized unilateral sanctions, tariff increases, trade restrictions, and carbon border measures without naming the United States.
The declaration supported Iran’s World Trade Organization bid and condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and safeguarded nuclear facilities.
It reaffirmed positions on Gaza, opposing forced displacement and arrangements that could prolong occupation.
- Who
- BRICS leaders, including representatives of India, Russia, China, Brazil, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
- What
- They adopted a 45-page declaration covering trade, sanctions, tariffs, terrorism, international conflicts, and institutional reform.
- When
- The declaration was adopted in 2026; the article refers to it as the Delhi 2026 declaration.
- Where
- Delhi, India.
- Why
- To reach consensus by acknowledging members’ priorities while avoiding language likely to trigger disagreement, particularly over Ukraine and other conflicts.
- Document length
- 45 pages
- Scope
- About 140 paragraphs addressed trade, health, artificial intelligence, and tourism.
- Ukraine
- The declaration did not mention Ukraine, Russia’s invasion, or related sanctions.
- Trade criticism
- It condemned unilateral coercive measures, economic sanctions, secondary sanctions, tariff increases, and trade restrictions.
- Iran
- BRICS expressed support for Iran’s bid to join the World Trade Organization.
- Terrorism
- It condemned the 22 April 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed.
- Gaza
- It opposed forced displacement of Palestinians and criticized arrangements that could legitimize or prolong occupation.