**BRICS New Delhi Declaration Rejects Sanctions, Nuclear Threats, and Terrorism**
The BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with their expanded membership, issued a significant declaration during their 18th summit held in New Delhi on Saturday. The document emphasizes a collective stance against “unilateral coercive measures,” condemns terrorism, and advocates for the peaceful resolution of global disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
The declaration explicitly opposes unilateral sanctions that contravene international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The BRICS leaders highlighted that such sanctions, including secondary sanctions, have detrimental effects on human rights and food security, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable populations.
During the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the necessity for reform within the UN and other global institutions, arguing that the current structure fails to reflect the realities of a rapidly changing world. He asserted that no single nation or coalition should dominate key positions within the UN, which was established in the aftermath of World War II.
The declaration also received backing from China and Russia, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, as they expressed support for Brazil and India to take on more significant roles within the UN framework, including the Security Council.
The summit marked a notable diplomatic achievement for India, as it successfully united countries with differing perspectives, such as Iran and the United Arab Emirates, under a common declaration. The presence of prominent leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, added weight to the discussions amid escalating global tensions and economic challenges.
In a unified voice, the BRICS leaders condemned all forms of terrorism as “criminal and unjustifiable,” irrespective of their motivations. This condemnation aligns with India's longstanding position on terrorism, which it has consistently raised in various international forums. The declaration specifically referenced a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April 2022 that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by India in the region.
The BRICS nations also addressed the situation in Cuba, denouncing the unilateral blockade imposed on the island nation. Furthermore, they expressed concerns regarding attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities, which violate resolutions from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
While the declaration did not explicitly mention the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it emphasized the importance of upholding nuclear safeguards, safety, and security during armed conflicts to protect civilians and the environment. This statement is perceived as a reference to the precarious situation surrounding the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, which has been subjected to military actions that threaten its safety.
The BRICS declaration also addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, opposing the forced displacement of Palestinians from the “Occupied Palestinian Territory” and any changes to the geographic or demographic landscape of the Gaza Strip. The leaders called for Israel to withdraw its forces from all Lebanese territories, reiterating their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Looking ahead, the next BRICS summit is scheduled to take place in China, continuing the bloc's efforts to enhance cooperation and address pressing global issues.
The adoption of the 45-page declaration reflects the growing influence of BRICS as it expands from its original five members to a total of 11, signifying its increasing economic size and global presence. As the world grapples with complex challenges, the BRICS nations aim to foster solidarity and collaboration among emerging and developing countries.