Xi Pushes 'Greater BRICS' Integration and New Delhi Declaration at 18th Summit

NEW DELHI — Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a sweeping series of strategic initiatives on Sunday aimed at deepening economic, technological, and political cooperation across the "Greater BRICS" framework. Speaking at the ongoing 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Xi emphasized that the expanded bloc must leverage its collective economic weight to champion the interests of the Global South and reshape international governance.

Addressing fellow leaders on the second day of the high-level gathering, Xi called for practical collaboration spanning artificial intelligence, trade expansion, and sustainable industrialization. The Chinese leader stressed that as the international order faces mounting pressure from unilateralism and geopolitical friction, the grouping must act as a stabilizing pillar. He urged members to fortify multilateral frameworks centered on the United Nations and the World Trade Organization while rejecting protectionist trade barriers.

The push for a more tightly integrated "Greater BRICS" economic network comes as the bloc incorporates a broader roster of emerging economies and partner states. By fostering deeper supply chain resilience, digital cooperation, and local-currency frameworks, Beijing and its partners are seeking to amplify their long-term leverage in global trade, finance, and diplomatic affairs ahead of China's upcoming assumption of the bloc's rotating chairship.

Summit Declarations and Reforms 

Concluding the high-level summit, leaders unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, themed "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," encapsulated within a comprehensive 140-point document addressing multilateralism, global economic governance, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. The bloc reiterated urgent calls for reform within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and international financial institutions, pushing for swift implementation of the 16th General Review of Quotas at the IMF to enhance the voting power of emerging and developing economies. Members also backed continued progress via the BRICS Payment Task Force regarding local-currency settlements and financial-messaging interoperability, while opposing unilateral trade and protectionist tariff barriers.

Geopolitical Stances and Regional Security 

Reflecting mounting global anxieties, the declaration registered deep concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia, calling for maximum restraint, civilian infrastructure protection, and strict adherence to open energy and trade flows. Leaders further strengthened their security stance by strongly condemning terrorism in all its forms—including cross-border movements and terror financing—demanding zero tolerance and international accountability.

Closing Remarks 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the closing session on Sunday, cautioning against the dangerous weaponization of technology and critical minerals that threatens global progress and inclusive growth.