Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE gathered in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, held on September 12 and 13, 2026. The summit saw a significant diplomatic breakthrough as the group adopted a joint declaration on trade and coercive measures, overcoming divisions between Iran and the UAE over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The agreement came after back-channel negotiations aimed at fostering unity among member states.
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the role of BRICS in shaping a more inclusive global order, advocating for Africa and the Global South to have a stronger voice in international affairs. He called for a unified approach to reforming global governance systems. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the summit, seeking to mend ties strained by a border clash years earlier.
The summit also saw discussions on economic cooperation and security, with leaders urging restraint in the Middle East. A joint statement was issued, calling for calm and peaceful resolution of regional tensions. The BRICS nations continue to position themselves as an alternative to Western-led economic and political structures, reinforcing their collective influence on the global stage.
