Jaishankar Hails India’s Diplomatic Success at BRICS Summit, Says Consensus Was Built Despite Global Conflicts
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has highlighted India’s diplomatic efforts in bringing together the expanded BRICS grouping despite deep geopolitical differences and ongoing international conflicts. His remarks came after the successful conclusion of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where member countries adopted the New Delhi Declaration by consensus.
The summit was held at a time when conflicts, economic tensions and divisions among major powers have made international cooperation increasingly difficult. Against this backdrop, India’s ability to bring diverse BRICS members around a common document emerged as one of the key outcomes of its 2026 chairmanship.
India Builds Consensus Amid Geopolitical Differences
BRICS has become increasingly diverse following its expansion, bringing together countries with different political systems, economic priorities and foreign-policy positions. This diversity makes consensus on sensitive international issues particularly challenging.
The situation was further complicated by tensions in West Asia, particularly differences involving Iran and the UAE. Nevertheless, extensive negotiations ultimately resulted in agreement on the New Delhi Declaration. Reports indicate that discussions over sensitive portions of the declaration continued for several days before members reached common ground.
Jaishankar’s assessment therefore places the emphasis not simply on the adoption of a declaration, but on the diplomatic process through which countries with differing interests were able to find areas of convergence.
New Delhi Declaration Emphasises Dialogue and Diplomacy
The New Delhi Declaration reaffirmed the BRICS commitment to mutual respect, sovereign equality, inclusiveness and consensus. It also called for strengthening multilateral cooperation and promoting a more representative and equitable international system.
On international conflicts, the grouping emphasised dialogue, consultation and diplomacy. The declaration’s language reflected the effort to accommodate different national positions while maintaining a common BRICS position on the need to prevent further escalation and promote peaceful solutions.
The outcome is significant because maintaining unity among an expanded grouping requires carefully balancing national interests with broader collective priorities.
Stronger Focus on Terrorism and Global Security
Counter-terrorism remained an important issue for India during its BRICS chairmanship. The declaration reaffirmed the bloc’s opposition to terrorism in all its forms and called for stronger international cooperation against terrorist financing, safe havens and networks that facilitate terrorism.
For India, the inclusion of terrorism within the wider BRICS security agenda is particularly significant. It reinforces the argument that international cooperation against terrorism requires collective action rather than selective approaches.
Giving the Global South a Greater Voice
Another major theme of the summit was the reform of global governance. India advocated a greater role for developing countries in institutions that shape international political and economic decisions.
During the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi argued that the Global South should move from being a “rule-taker” to a “rule-shaper”. India also pushed for greater representation of developing nations in institutions such as the United Nations Security Council.
The New Delhi Declaration similarly called for a more representative, effective and accountable multilateral system. China and Russia also reiterated support for Brazil and India to play a greater role in the United Nations, including the Security Council.
Economic and Technological Cooperation
The summit was not limited to geopolitical issues. BRICS countries also discussed economic cooperation, technology, innovation, financial connectivity and sustainable development.
The declaration welcomed progress towards the BRICS Economic Partnership 2030 and recognised the importance of strengthening cooperation among member countries. Discussions also covered cross-border payments, greater use of local currencies in trade and investment, and efforts to improve financial cooperation.
Technology and innovation were another important component of the agenda. BRICS members reaffirmed cooperation in science, technology and innovation, including emerging areas such as quantum technologies. Cooperation involving MSMEs and access to finance was also highlighted as an important avenue for strengthening economic growth.
India’s Year-Long BRICS Engagement
The consensus achieved at the summit was the result of sustained engagement throughout India’s year-long BRICS chairmanship. According to the External Affairs Ministry, more than 400 meetings and engagements involving ministers, parliamentarians, officials, experts, businesses and other stakeholders were conducted across 30 Indian cities.
The extensive programme focused on producing practical and development-oriented outcomes rather than restricting BRICS cooperation to the annual leaders’ summit. More than 50 outcomes were reported from India’s chairmanship, covering areas ranging from economic cooperation and technology to development and people-to-people engagement.
The MGMM Outlook
India’s BRICS chairmanship has demonstrated its ability to build consensus among an increasingly diverse group of nations despite geopolitical tensions and conflicting national interests. The adoption of the New Delhi Declaration by consensus reflects sustained diplomatic engagement and India’s focus on dialogue, cooperation and practical outcomes. The summit also strengthened attention on counter-terrorism, reform of global institutions and giving the Global South a greater role in shaping international decisions. The participation of developing countries in discussions on global governance reinforces India’s push for a more representative and balanced international order.
The broader outcomes of the summit also show that BRICS is evolving beyond a primarily political grouping into a platform for economic, technological and development cooperation. Progress on financial connectivity, local-currency trade, MSMEs, innovation and emerging technologies can create new opportunities for member countries. With hundreds of meetings conducted across India during its year-long chairmanship, the consensus at the summit reflects sustained diplomatic groundwork rather than a single-event achievement. The real measure of this effort will now be whether the commitments and initiatives agreed upon can be converted into meaningful cooperation among BRICS members.
(Sources: India TV News, Hindustan Times, ANI News)
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