Leaders of the Brics group met in Delhi to discuss reshaping the global order, but deep divisions, particularly concerning the Iran war and potential US trade threats, limited tangible outcomes. While the summit provided a platform for rivals to meet, consensus on a new global framework proved elusive.
The Brics summit highlighted the growing desire among non-Western nations for a multipolar world order, but also exposed deep divisions that hinder consensus on key global issues like the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and trade disputes, potentially impacting global economic stability and geopolitical alignments.
Leaders from the Brics group, including China, Russia, Iran, South Africa, and the UAE, convened in Delhi for a summit aimed at fostering a new global order and counteracting Western influence. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the group's role as "rule-shapers" rather than "rule-takers."
The summit produced the "New Delhi Declaration," which called for "maximum restraint" in the Middle East conflict and condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities without assigning blame. Notably, the declaration omitted any mention of Russia's war in Ukraine. It also addressed trade concerns regarding "indiscriminate rising tariffs" and unilateral sanctions, stopping short of naming the US.
The gathering provided a crucial platform for bilateral meetings between leaders who have historically been at odds. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian engaged in discussions with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking a high-level meeting since the start of the Middle East conflict. Pezeshkian also sought to deepen economic ties with other Brics members.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Delhi, his first in seven years, saw him and Prime Minister Modi agree to strengthen business ties, transport links, and address trade barriers, despite underlying mistrust stemming from a 2020 border dispute. However, Xi's brief attendance, skipping a gala dinner, suggested lingering diplomatic complexities.
Anil Trigunayat, a veteran Indian diplomat, described India's achievement as a push for "strategic autonomy in an era of war" and enhanced collaboration among members, while acknowledging that some members desire an anti-Western bloc, which India has resisted.
Praveen Donthi, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, noted that the declaration's careful framing, particularly regarding the Middle East conflict and tariffs, bore India's diplomatic hallmark.