BRICS leaders condemn unilateral tariffs, war in New Delhi Declaration
Bloc also seeks greater developing-country representation at UNSC
Highlights
- BRICS leaders seek overhaul of global governance
- Declaration backs expanded developing-country UNSC representation
- Bloc criticises unilateral tariffs and trade barriers
- Members encourage greater use of local currencies
BRICS leaders have called for a revamp of the global governance system, condemned unilateral tariffs and "acts of war", and backed greater representation for developing countries at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The positions were outlined in the New Delhi Declaration adopted today (12 September) at the BRICS Summit in the Indian capital, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the consensus document, reports NDTV.
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The declaration called for a "structural update" of the UNSC, with greater representation for developing countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
China and Russia, the two permanent members of the Security Council represented at the summit, reiterated their support for Brazil and India seeking a greater role at the UN, including on the Security Council.
"Today's discussion makes it evident that the changing world cannot be steered by outdated institutions; reforms are essential in representation, responsiveness and rule-making," Modi said in his concluding remarks.
He also stressed that the Global South should have an equal role in shaping future technologies and the rules governing them.
The declaration urged BRICS members to increase the use of local currencies in trade among themselves, reducing reliance on the US dollar.
Tariff concerns
The bloc also criticised the growing use of tariffs and other trade restrictions, reaffirming its support for reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
BRICS said the global trading system should remain open, transparent, equitable and rules-based, while expressing "serious concerns" over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that it said were inconsistent with WTO rules.
It warned that such measures could hamper global trade, disrupt supply chains and create uncertainty for international economic activity, while worsening existing economic disparities.
The group said it would work to make the WTO more responsive to trade disruptions and the needs of emerging markets and developing economies.
Condemnation of terrorism
The declaration strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to tackling terrorist financing, safe havens and the cross-border movement of terrorists.
"We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed," the declaration said.
BRICS also stressed that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, and said those involved in terrorist activities and their support should be held accountable under national and international law.
The declaration further denounced "unilateral acts of war" and stressed the importance of protecting seafarers and commercial navigation amid ongoing military aggression in the Middle East.
The summit comes as BRICS marks two decades since its creation and follows the group's expansion beyond its original membership.
