'Even in a polarized world, India built a consensus' — Jaishankar on the success of the BRICS summit
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday described the BRICS Summit 2026, which concluded in New Delhi, as a major diplomatic success for India. He stated that despite deep global polarization, two major wars, and sharp differences between countries, India succeeded in building a consensus among all participating nations at this summit. […]
32 delegations participated
Speaking to media personnel, Jaishankar noted that a total of 32 delegations participated in the summit, including 11 member countries, 10 partner countries, four regional organizations, and seven international organizations. He said that most countries were represented at the level of heads of state or heads of government, which reflects the "strong convening power" of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key leaders who attended the summit include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Jaishankar also specifically mentioned the presence of heads of other international organizations, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
Important consensus reached on terrorism
Jaishankar stated that despite the polarization, BRICS leaders were successful in issuing a joint statement on the most difficult issue — the West Asia crisis — which appealed for peace, security, and stability. He also mentioned that BRICS countries expressed a clear consensus by terming terrorism in all its forms a criminal act and also clearly acknowledged the unacceptability of the Pahalgam attack.
On the very first day of the summit, member countries unanimously adopted the 'New Delhi Declaration' despite their mutual differences. According to Jaishankar, reform and resilience were two shared themes that played an important role in bringing countries with diverse interests onto one platform.
Focus remained on economic and technological agenda
The External Affairs Minister stated that the summit's agenda was primarily focused on the economy, development, and technology, with special emphasis given to the interests of the Global South. He termed this a "very strong message." Jaishankar said that the successful conclusion of the summit underscores India's ability to bring countries together amidst rising international tensions and also reflects India's growing role in shaping discussions on global economic development, technology, and issues related to the Global South.
It is noteworthy that Michael Kugelman, a US-based analyst on South Asian affairs, has also described the New Delhi Declaration issued at this summit as a major diplomatic achievement for India.
