By Woke Joshua
BRICS leaders have renewed calls for reforms to global governance institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to ensure greater representation for developing countries.
The call formed part of the outcomes of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India, where member countries adopted the New Delhi Declaration and reaffirmed their commitment to stronger multilateral cooperation.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said the summit was a major milestone as India assumed the BRICS chairship for the fourth time in the year the grouping commemorates 20 years of institutionalised cooperation.
He said India’s chairship was anchored on the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” (BRICS), reflecting its focus on practical, forward-looking and people-centred initiatives.
Dalela said the summit recorded the participation of leaders from all BRICS member countries, while partner countries, outreach invitees and heads of international organisations were expected at the open session on Saturday.
He noted that the level of participation demonstrated the increasing relevance of BRICS and confidence in India’s leadership.
Since taking over the chairship in January, India has hosted more than 350 meetings, including ministerial sessions, working group engagements, business meetings and people-centred programmes, he said.
The member session, held under the theme, “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism,” centred on the need to make global institutions more representative, inclusive, effective and responsive to current realities.
According to Dalela, leaders reaffirmed their support for comprehensive United Nations reform, including restructuring the Security Council to improve the representation of developing countries.
They equally advocated reforms to the international financial system to strengthen the voice and influence of the Global South.
The leaders reiterated BRICS’ commitment to mutual respect, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness and consensus, while stressing dialogue and consultation as the means of addressing differences.
On geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, the summit emphasised diplomacy, dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes.
Speaking during the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a stronger voice for the Global South and global governance reforms that reflect contemporary realities.
He urged BRICS to maintain its focus on practical cooperation and development outcomes that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Modi proposed four initiatives to advance cooperation within the bloc. They include a BRICS Troika mechanism, a roadmap for global governance reform, a Seafarer Emergency Support Initiative Network and a Global South Negotiation Support Initiative.
The seafarer initiative is expected to support seafarers in distress worldwide, while the negotiation support programme would build the capacity of officials and young professionals in emerging areas, including technology and global rule-making.
Dalela said the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration was among the major achievements of India’s chairship, describing it as evidence of the bloc’s capacity to reach consensus on issues of global importance.
He expressed appreciation to member countries for their cooperation, saying the declaration captured shared priorities and commitments.
A fact sheet released alongside the declaration listed more than 50 practical outcomes under the four pillars of India’s chairship: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
In furtherance of its environmental objectives, BRICS leaders took part in a joint tree-plantation initiative promoting environmental protection and climate action.
The summit also featured the release of a commemorative postal stamp marking 20 years of BRICS cooperation.