BRICS leaders call for stronger cooperation as India concludes summit

NEW DELHI: BRICS leaders on Sunday called for stronger international cooperation to address geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate challenges and disruptions to global supply chains as the two-day summit in New Delhi concluded.

The summit brought together leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping, with discussions covering international peace and security, trade, technology, energy, food security and reforms in global institutions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need for BRICS countries to strengthen resilience and convert decisions taken at the summit into practical action. He also warned that the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals could affect shared development.

The summit’s New Delhi Declaration addressed a range of international issues and called for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. The grouping also expressed concern over tensions in the Middle East and called for restraint.

The declaration reflected efforts by BRICS members to maintain cooperation despite differences in their political and economic positions. The expanded grouping includes major emerging economies from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

Leaders also discussed the importance of strengthening trade and financial cooperation, including greater use of local currencies and improved cross-border payment systems.

Technology and artificial intelligence emerged as another important area of cooperation, alongside climate action, energy security and food security.

India used its BRICS presidency to highlight the interests of the Global South and called for reforms in international institutions to give developing countries a greater voice in global decision-making.

At the conclusion of the summit, India handed over the BRICS chairmanship to China for the next cycle.

The summit marked an important diplomatic engagement among countries with diverse strategic interests. The focus now shifts to implementing the commitments made in New Delhi and strengthening cooperation within the expanded grouping.

The discussions also reinforced BRICS’ role as a platform for dialogue among major emerging economies on global economic and political issues.