BRICS Nations Agree on Conflict Solutions, Trade Issues, and More

The BRICS group of countries has agreed on a new declaration. This declaration calls for preventing conflicts, building multilateral relationships, and condemning terrorism and one-sided trade actions.

It also shows concern about the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has lasted for seven months. The declaration urges maximum restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy, according to Reuters.

The New Delhi Declaration 2026 was accepted during the 18th BRICS Summit. This summit took place in India over the weekend. Countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates came together. Partner countries, including Nigeria, joined them. Together, they represent about 40 percent of the world’s GDP and nearly half of the world’s population.

The 45-page New Delhi declaration was accepted on Saturday, the first day of the BRICS leaders' annual summit.

Before the declaration, there were serious discussions, especially about the tensions between the UAE and Iran related to the Middle East conflict.

"No member has raised any objection. The New Delhi Declaration 2026 is adopted unanimously," said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The New Delhi Declaration emphasized the need to protect civilians and their infrastructure. It also opposed attacks that could endanger nuclear safety.

The declaration called for settling disputes through diplomacy. It encouraged dialogue and consultation instead of military actions.

"We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East…call for exercising maximum restraint…avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation," the declaration stated.

In addition to these points, BRICS criticized the increasing use of one-sided tariffs and non-tariff barriers. They argued that these measures distort trade and harm developing countries. This comes as the US imposes tariffs on several nations.

"We condemn the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law," the declaration said.

The declaration called for removing these tariffs, stating that they undermine international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

The BRICS nations also expressed support for cross-border payments and trade using local currencies of member countries.

They highlighted that creating a BRICS Payment Task Force (BPTF) would help find practical ways to make payments between BRICS nations easier and faster.

This task force would also help BRICS countries rely less on current international payment systems.

On the sidelines of the summit, the Nigerian government reiterated its commitment to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the multilateral trading system.

During a meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Vice President Kashim Shettima said no country can thrive alone in today's world.

He also mentioned that migration drives innovation, noting how immigrants have historically helped develop nations.

The Vice President is set to present Nigeria’s partnership and foreign investment opportunities to BRICS leaders when he speaks at the summit on Sunday.