MediumI Geo-Economics & Chokepoints12 September 2026, Saturday
BRICS New Delhi summit: declaration opposes unilateral tariffs and sanctions not authorised by the UN
Xi was in India for the first time in seven years; the declaration criticised unilateral trade measures without naming the US.
According to Al Jazeera, the New Delhi Declaration was adopted unanimously at the 18th BRICS summit held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on 12–13 September. Xi Jinping visited India for the first time in seven years; Putin and Pezeshkian attended the summit, while Brazil was represented by Foreign Minister Vieira rather than President Lula. The eleven members account for roughly 49% of the world's population and about 40% of its economy.
According to India TV's live coverage notes, the declaration opposed unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures without naming the US and deemed unilateral sanctions not authorised by the UN to be contrary to international law. It did not condemn any party over Iran; the language softened compared with the 2025 Rio declaration. The summit shows that a common stance against sanctions and tariff regimes is strengthening, but that consensus among members on the Iran war remains limited.
Talay assessment
Bottom line
The New Delhi Declaration strengthened BRICS' rhetorical unity against unilateral tariffs and sanctions lacking UN approval without naming the US; Xi's first visit to India in seven years also signals a thaw in India–China relations. Yet the softened language on Iran and Lula's absence show that consensus among members is limited. The most likely path is for the declaration to remain rhetorical and not translate into joint countermeasures.
Likely effects
- Global trade orderUncertain1–6 months
A group representing roughly half the world's population declaring unilateral tariffs and sanctions without UN approval unlawful institutionalises the challenge to the legitimacy of US trade and sanctions policies, though it has no directly binding effect.
- India–China relationsPositive1–6 months
Xi's visit to India after seven years signals a will to manage the rivalry between the two largest members, which could improve decision-making capacity within BRICS.
- Türkiye foreign policyUncertain6 months+
Stronger joint rhetoric against tariff and sanctions regimes shows an alternative diplomatic platform gaining weight for Türkiye, which faces US sanctions risks; but given its alliance ties with the West, the cost to Ankara of moving closer to this platform also rises.
Possibilities, ranked
- 1Rhetorical unity, no concrete steps75%
The declaration sets the agenda but members take no coordinated economic measures against tariffs; bilateral relations remain the priority.
Watch: No concrete implementation decisions at ministerial level after the summit and no US reaction
- 2Internal divisions become clearer15%
The Iran war and bilateral ties with the US pull members in different directions; even the joint rhetoric weakens.
Watch: Conflicting official statements among members on Iran or a member distancing itself from the declaration
- 3Progress on concrete mechanisms10%
Joint mechanisms in trade and payments cooperation are put into practice; practical alternatives to US tariff policy strengthen.
Watch: Announcements with implementation timetables from BRICS finance and trade ministers
Probabilities are calibrated judgement based on the sources, not measurement, and are revised as new information arrives. Not investment advice.