Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document at BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (May 15, 2026)

 

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 It was reported in Al Jazeera that the BRICs meeting recently concluded  failed to issue a Jint Statement, producing instead only a Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document at BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (May 15, 2026).

The BRICS alliance of major developing economies has failed to issue a joint statement after their two-day meeting in India, amid internal divisions over the Iran war which is affecting several members. India hosted the foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi and currently chairs the alliance. BRICS brings together core members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as newer members Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia and the UAE. India said on Friday that “there were differing views among some members” regarding the conflict in the Middle East. (Al Jazeera)

One can parse through the Chair’s Statement  which is rich not just in what was stated but perhaps more importantly was remained unstated or written between the lines. The Chair’s Statement  is posted below without comment, but with the suggestion that it reflects the complexities  of a multi-polar world of hierarchically arranged power structures still searching for a se of ordering premises. 

 

 

Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document at BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (May 15, 2026)

May 15, 2026

Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document

The BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations, met on 14 and 15 May 2026 in New Delhi, India. They exchanged views on major global and regional matters. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the framework of BRICS strategic partnership under the three pillars: political and security, economic and financial, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They reaffirmed their commitment to the BRICS spirit of mutual respect and understanding, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, and consensus.

2. The Ministers expressed their full support to India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 under the theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, which reflects that cooperation among BRICS members can help address shared challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner. They reviewed the progress achieved within the BRICS cooperation framework and extended support to enhancing further BRICS cooperation on the thematic priorities of the Chairship, particularly on strengthening capacities, promoting innovation, ensuring sustainable development and resilience.

3. On the landmark occasion of the 20th anniversary of BRICS, the Ministers reiterated their commitment to reforming and improving global governance by promoting a more just, equitable, agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system in the spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening multilateralism, multipolarity and upholding international law, including the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) in their entirety and interconnectedness in a balanced and inclusive manner, as its indispensable cornerstone, and the central role of the UN in the international system in which sovereign states cooperate to maintain peace and security, advance sustainable development, ensure the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and promote cooperation based on the spirit of solidarity, mutual respect, justice and equality while respecting national circumstances, diversity of national systems and development pathways, with the aim to build a brighter shared future for the international community based on mutually beneficial cooperation.

4. The Ministers noted the current global context of polarization and distrust and encourage global action to strengthen international peace and security. They called on the international community to respond to these challenges and associated security threats through politico-diplomatic measures to lower conflict potential and stressed the need to engage in conflict prevention efforts, including through addressing their root causes. They underscored that security among all countries is indivisible and reiterated their commitment to the peaceful resolution of international disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy. They encouraged the active role of regional organizations in conflict prevention and resolution and support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises. They highlighted, in the context of international disputes, the importance of preventive diplomacy and mediation, with the consent of relevant parties, as essential tools to avoid crises and prevent their escalation, in accordance with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter. In this regard, they agreed to explore avenues for cooperation on the prevention of armed conflicts, the UN peacekeeping missions, African Union peace support operations, and mediation and peace processes.

5. The Ministers noted that the current global challenges are complex and interlinked and impede economic growth and sustainable development of countries while accentuating persistent development gaps across countries and regions. They agreed that, in the context of the contemporary realities of the multipolar world, it is crucial that developing countries strengthen their efforts to promote dialogue and consultations for more just and equitable global governance and mutually beneficial relations among nations. They acknowledged that practical and actionable responses, taking into account national priorities and different stages of development, are key to addressing these challenges and reiterated the particular importance of sustainable development and inclusive growth in the UN agenda. In this context, they reaffirmed that BRICS remains an important platform for dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation in advancing practical solutions to common challenges.

6. The Ministers acknowledged that BRICS members represent a broad diversity of societies and civilisations which are affected differently by unjustified unilateral protectionist measures inconsistent with WTO rules, and that BRICS should focus on promoting a just and fair, stable and predictable environment for mutually beneficial sustainable development. Emphasizing the importance of creating more resilient, reliable and stable supply chains, they agreed that BRICS should work towards broader and more equitable participation of developing economies in higher-value added segments of global manufacturing and production, including through trade and investment initiatives, industrial cooperation, development of complementary production capacities and technology transfer on mutually agreed terms based on national priorities. These initiatives will contribute to economic resilience and help mitigate the impacts of multiple economic disruptions.

7. The Ministers appreciated that BRICS under India’s Chairship will further contribute to enhancing cooperation by finding common grounds for achieving practical, actionable, inclusive, development-oriented BRICS partnership through sustained engagements with the Chair’s approach of putting humanity and people at the centre. They welcomed the Chair’s priorities and efforts to enhance BRICS strategic partnership, which would lead to strengthening collective resilience, promotion of innovation-led economic growth, advancing sustainable development, facilitation of people to people contacts and amplifying the voice for greater BRICS representation in global governance.

8. The Ministers recognized the Chair’s priorities such as promoting sustainable, just, orderly, inclusive and equitable energy transitions and ensuring access to technology, taking into account national circumstances, strengthening energy security, fostering climate resilient and sustainable farming, enhancing disaster preparedness and mitigation through integrated early warning systems, advancing science, technology and innovation, including through scientific and research collaboration in health and agriculture, promotion of traditional medicine systems for healthcare and wellness, building robust digital public infrastructure and ensuring resilient global supply chains are important to fostering sustainable development and resilience for Emerging Market and Developing Countries (EMDCs).

9. The Ministers recognized the Chair’s focus on ensuring meaningful digital connectivity, creating vibrant ICT and start-up ecosystem, promoting robust research ecosystem and youth entrepreneurship, facilitation of micro, small and medium enterprises to access finance and markets, enhancing cooperation on digital public infrastructure, leveraging emerging technologies, strengthening capacity building initiatives and skill development would aim at accelerating innovation-led economic growth for EMDCs. They appreciated the ongoing efforts of the Chair to position BRICS as a platform to advance these common priorities.

10. Recognizing the 2023 Johannesburg-II Leaders’ Declaration, the Ministers reiterated their support for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council’s memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including BRICS countries, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the UN, including its Security Council. They recognized the legitimate aspirations of African countries, as reflected in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. They stressed that the UN Security Council reform is to lead to the amplified voice of the Global South. Recalling the 2022 Beijing and 2023 Johannesburg-II Leaders’ Declarations, China and Russia, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, reiterated their support to the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the UN, including its Security Council.

11. The Ministers agreed that, in the context of the contemporary realities of the multipolar world, it is crucial that developing countries strengthen their efforts to promote dialogue and consultations for more just and equitable global governance and mutually beneficial relations among nations. They acknowledged that multipolarity can expand opportunities for EMDCs to develop their constructive potential and enjoy universally beneficial, inclusive and equitable economic globalization and cooperation. They highlighted the importance of the Global South as a driver for positive change, especially in the face of significant international challenges, including deepening geopolitical tensions, rapid economic downturns and technological changes, protectionist measures and migratory challenges. They believed BRICS countries continue to play a pivotal role in voicing the concerns and priorities of the Global South, as well as in promoting a more just, sustainable, inclusive, representative and stable international order based on international law.

12. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to reforming and improving global governance by promoting a more just, equitable, agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system in the spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. In this regard, they took note of the adoption of the Pact for the Future at the Summit of the Future, including its two annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration of Future Generations. Bearing in mind the need to adapt the current architecture of international relations to better reflect the contemporary realities, they reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and upholding the international law, including the Purposes and Principles enshrined in the Charter of the UN, in their entirety and interconnectedness as its indispensable cornerstone, and the central role of the UN in the international system, in which sovereign states cooperate to maintain international peace and security, advance sustainable development, ensure the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all as well as cooperation based on solidarity, mutual respect, justice and equality. They also reiterated their commitment to ensuring greater and more meaningful participation and representation of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs), as well as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), especially from Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, in global decision-making processes and structures and making them better attuned to contemporary realities. They also called for achieving equitable geographical representation in the Secretariat of the UN and other international organizations in a timely manner, as well as increasing the role and share of women, especially from EMDCs, at all levels of leadership and responsibilities in these organizations. They stressed the need for the selection and appointment process of the UN executive heads and senior positions to be guided by the principles of transparency and inclusiveness, and carried out in accordance with all the provisions of Article 101 of the UN Charter, with due regard for recruiting staff on a geographical basis as wide as possible and the increased participation of women, and adhere to the general rule that there should be no monopoly on senior posts in the UN system by nationals of any State or group of States. They also deplored attempts, including by deliberately withholding assessed contributions, to unilaterally undermine the work of global multilateral institutions and impair the implementation of their respective mandates.

13. The Ministers welcomed the adoption of UNGA resolution 80/250 on the declaration of the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. The Ministers advocated the prompt and full implementation of the UNGA Resolution 79/115 of December 2024 in order to eradicate colonialism in all its forms and manifestations.

14. The Ministers underscored the key role of the G20 as the premier global forum for international economic cooperation that provides a platform for dialogue of both emerging and developed economies on an equal and mutually beneficial footing for jointly seeking shared solutions to global challenges, fostering multipolar world and ensuring open, non-discriminatory, fair, inclusive international economic system and value chains. They reaffirmed their willingness to work collectively to preserve the legacy of the G20 BRICS states’ consecutive presidencies – Indonesia, India, Brazil and South Africa – in 2022-2025 and further amplify the voice of the Global South in the global economic governance system so G20 adequately reflects EMDEs’ rising weight in the global economy and integrate their priorities in its agenda. They saluted strengthening of the EMDEs voice in the G20 through the accession of the African Union during India’s Presidency of G20 in 2023 and the invitation of the NDB during Brazilian and South African Presidency including by their closer interaction and alignment. They recognized the importance of the continued and productive functioning of the G20, based on its economic mandate, consensus decision making, depoliticized processes, integrity and inadmissibility of arbitrary revision of its membership.

15. In light of the ongoing selection process of the next Secretary-General of the UN and bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the UN Charter, the Ministers noted that only one national from Latin America and Caribbean has ever occupied this position and that no woman was ever elected for the role of Secretary General.

16. The Ministers reiterated the urgent need to reform the Bretton Woods Institutions (BWI) to make them more agile, effective, inclusive, unbiased, accountable, and representative towards enhancing their legitimacy and credibility. They called for reforms in their governance to reflect transformation of the global economy since their establishment, improved management procedures, including through a merit-based and inclusive selection process as well as enhanced representation of Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs) in the leadership of the IMF and the WB. They urged for the timely implementation of the 16th Review of Quotas. They welcomed the Diriyah Guiding Principles for Quota and Governance Reforms, and called for meaningful quota realignment under the 17th General Review of Quotas at the earliest possible time that should not come at the expense of developing countries, while reflecting countries’ relative positions in the global economy, reduce representation gaps, while protecting the quota shares of the poorest members and increase the shares of EMDEs. They reaffirmed that the 2025 World Bank Shareholding Review is a critical tool to strengthen multilateralism and enhance the legitimacy of the World Bank Group, as a better, bigger, and more effective development finance institution. In line with the Lima Principles, they reaffirmed that BRICS countries should continue to advocate for the increased voice and representation of developing countries, underpinned by a shareholding realignment that corrects their historic underrepresentation.

17. The Ministers underscored the importance of the efforts to facilitate fast, low-cost, more accessible, efficient, transparent, and safe cross-border payments among BRICS countries and other nations which can support greater trade and investment flows. In this regard, they encouraged the continuation of discussions of BRICS Cross-Border payments initiative and of reinforcing the BRICS reinsurance capacity.

18. Recalling the BRICS Declaration on World Trade Organization Reform and Strengthening of the Multilateral Trading System, the Ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for strengthening a non-discriminatory, open, equitable, transparent, fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core while upholding the fundamental principles such as Most Favoured Nation Treatment and Special & Differential Treatment for developing members, including LDCs, which is in line with the outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference. They expressed commitment to remain actively engaged in multilateral negotiations in Geneva, especially in the debates regarding the reform of the WTO. In this regard, they noted the dialogue within the BRICS Informal Consultative Framework on the challenges undermining the effectiveness and credibility of the WTO and solutions to these challenges. They strongly advocated for the immediate restoration of an accessible, effective, fully-functioning, two-tier binding WTO dispute settlement mechanism as a foundation for trust, predictability, for all members, and the appointment of new appellate body members without further delay. They looked forward to working towards strengthening the organization through necessary reform while upholding the fundamental principles of WTO and facilitating the negotiation process within WTO framework and to restoring the credibility of the multilateral trading system. They strongly supported an expedited successful conclusion of ongoing negotiations on the accession of BRICS Members to the WTO. The Ministers recognized China’s announcement of not seeking new special and differential treatment in current and future WTO negotiations.

19. The Ministers condemned the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law, and reiterated that such measures, inter alia in the form of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions, have far-reaching negative implications for the human rights, including the rights to development, health and food security, of the general population of targeted states, disproportionally affecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations, deepening the digital divide and exacerbating environmental challenges. They called for the elimination of such unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. They reaffirmed that BRICS member states do not impose or support non-UN Security Council authorized sanctions that are contrary to international law.

20. Recalling the exchange of views held at the BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys meeting, which took place in New Delhi, on 24th April 2026, the Ministers expressed deep concern on the recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

21. There were differing views among some members as regard to the situation in the West Asia/Middle East region. BRICS members expressed their respective national positions and shared a range of perspectives. Views articulated by them included the need for an early resolution of the current crisis, the value of dialogue and diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholding international law, the importance of safe and unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways, and the protection of civilian infrastructure and civilian lives. The impact of recent developments on the global economic situation was stressed by many members.

22. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation to address humanitarian crises worldwide and expressed concern at the dwindling of international responses. They strongly condemned all violations of international humanitarian law, including deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the denial or obstruction of humanitarian access and the targeting of humanitarian personnel. They underlined the need to address accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law. They recognized international efforts undertaken by BRICS members to promote respect for, adherence to, and effective implementation of International Humanitarian Law.

23. The Ministers took note of the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2803. They called for the implementation of the relevant UNGA and UNSC Resolutions, and urged all parties to ensure the maintenance of ceasefire and full and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip.

24. The Ministers reaffirmed that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means and depends on the fulfilment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the rights to self-determination and return. They reaffirmed their support for the State of Palestine’s full membership in the UN in the context of the unwavering commitment to the two-state solution, in accordance with international law, including relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, that includes the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within the internationally recognized 1967 borders, which included the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in order to achieve the vision of two States living side by side, in peace and security. They affirmed the need for adequate representation of Palestine in all relevant international organizations, including multilateral financial institutions, and access to their resources.

25. The Ministers reiterated their grave concern about the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with the resumption of continuous Israeli attacks against Gaza and obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory. They called for adherence to international law, in particular to international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and condemned all violations of IHL, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare. They also condemned attempts to politicize or militarize humanitarian assistance. They exhorted the parties to engage in good faith in further negotiations to achieve an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and all other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the release of all hostages and detainees held in violation of international law, and sustained and unhindered access and delivery of humanitarian aid. They reasserted their steadfast support for UNRWA and stressed the need to fully respect the mandate, bestowed on it by the UNGA, for the provision of basic services to Palestine refugees in its five fields of operations. They called on all relevant parties to respect their obligations under international law and act with utmost restraint and to avoid escalatory actions and provocative declarations. They noted, in this regard, the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice in the legal proceedings instituted by South Africa against Israel, which, inter alia, reaffirmed Israel’s legal obligation to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

26.* The Ministers recalled that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They underlined, in this regard, the importance of unifying the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority, and reaffirmed the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine. They called on the international community to support the Palestinian Authority in undergoing reforms to fulfil the Palestinians’ legitimate aspirations for independence and statehood.

*A member had reservation on some aspects of this paragraph.

27. The Ministers recalled the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and called on all parties to strictly adhere to its terms and to fully implement UNSC Resolution 1701. They condemned the continued violations of the ceasefire and of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. They called on Israel to respect the terms agreed with the Lebanese government and to withdraw its occupying forces from all of the Lebanese territory, including the five sites in Southern Lebanon in which they remain.

28. The Ministers highlighted the vital role played by UNIFIL and agreed it is imperative to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of movement of all UN personnel and equipment, as well as to respect the integrity of UN premises. They condemned all attacks against UNIFIL installations and personnel and emphasized that such attacks are a violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They also extended their deepest condolences for the loss of three Indonesian peacekeepers and two French peacekeepers serving under UNIFIL and expressed solidarity with all Troop Contributing Countries affected. They expressed their condemnation over the incidents that led to these fatalities and reiterated that the safety and security of the UN peacekeepers are non-negotiable. They underscored the importance of respecting the role and mandate of UNIFIL in supporting the Government of Lebanon and in creating space for a political solution. In this regard, they called on all parties to guarantee the safety and freedom of movement of UNIFIL personnel and assets, as well as the inviolability of the UN premises.

29.* The Ministers stressed the importance of ensuring the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms of vessels of all states in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait, in accordance with international law. They encouraged enhanced diplomatic efforts by all parties to that end, including by addressing the causes of the conflict, and continued support for dialogue and Yemen’s peace process under UN auspices. They further underscored the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen including food security and access to basic services. They stressed the need that efforts to achieve long-term stability, prosperity, and security requires roles and contributions of countries of the region.

*A member had reservations on some aspects of this paragraph.

30. The Ministers expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Sudan, including the worsening humanitarian crisis and the growing risk of proliferation of extremism and terrorism. They reiterated their positions in this regard and called for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue. They also stressed the need for sustained, urgent and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for the Sudanese population, and for the scaling up of humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries. They reiterated the principle of "African solution to African problems” should continue to serve as the basis for conflict resolution and called for a coordinated approach among peace efforts.

31. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and called on all parties to ensure a peaceful and inclusive political transition, in a manner that ensures the security and well-being of the civilian population and upholding the rights of minorities. They encouraged the international community to support the post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation of Syria. They stressed their continued support for the efforts for an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, UN facilitated political process, free from foreign interference, based on the principles of UNSC resolution 2254 (2015), where all political and social components of Syria’s society are represented and protected. They highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue of foreign terrorist fighters given the serious risk they pose to Syria’s and regional stability and security. They urged Syria to firmly oppose all forms of terrorism and extremism and take concrete actions to respond to concerns of the international community about terrorism. They further reaffirmed the necessity of the withdrawal of occupying forces from Syria.

32. Underlining the character of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, built on mutual respect, peaceful settlement of disputes and non-intervention, the Ministers expressed concern over evolving situation relating to Cuba. In this regard, they reiterated the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial measures against Cuba in accordance with UNGA Resolution A/79/80.

33. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to the full implementation and advancement of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and further reiterated the importance of ensuring the full, equal, safe, and meaningful participation of women in decision-making at all levels of peace and security processes, including conflict prevention and resolution, humanitarian relief, mediation, peace operations, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction and development.

34. The Ministers expressed strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured. They reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens. They reiterated that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international law. They urged to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and rejected double standards in countering terrorism. They emphasized the primary responsibility of States in combating terrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the UN, in particular the purposes and principles thereof, and relevant international conventions and protocols, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, as applicable. They welcomed the activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five Subgroups based upon the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and the CTWG position paper. They looked forward to further deepening counter-terrorism cooperation. They called for an expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework. They called for concerted actions against all UN designated terrorists and terrorist entities.

35. The Ministers also emphasized the importance of countering extremism and radicalization specially among the younger generations, and further stressed the need to enhance cooperation among the BRICS Countries and their competent authorities, including through sharing best practices.

36. The Ministers expressed their concerns about illicit financial flows including terror financing, trafficking of firearms, trafficking in persons, the laundering of drug related crimes proceeds, use of ICTs for criminal purposes illegal virtual asset flows, corruption and related illicit activities, money laundering, financial fraud through organized crimes and circumvention of domestic regulatory frameworks that have adverse impact on economic stability, sustainable development and the integrity of the international financial system and organized crime. They also expressed concern about terrorist financing. They recognized that these activities, including the illicit use of virtual assets and violations of domestic regulatory frameworks, may adversely affect economic stability, sustainable development and the integrity of the international financial system. They expressed serious concerns over the proliferation of organized scam networks, including cross-border fraud operations and so-called scam compounds, which exploit digital technologies, payment systems and individuals in vulnerable situations. They underlined the importance of coordinated international action to dismantle these illegal networks, trace and recover criminal proceeds, protect victims, and prevent the misuse of financial institutions and emerging payment methods for large-scale fraud. They further stressed the need to enhance cross-border cooperation among customs authorities, financial intelligence units, law enforcement agencies, tax authorities and supervisory bodies, including through relevant existing BRICS Working Groups and based on the documents adopted in BRICS, as well as the relevant international legal instruments to which the BRICS countries are parties, telecommunication providers and technology platforms including through improved information-sharing, risk-based approach, use of data analytics and capacity-building, to effectively identify, detect and disrupt money laundering schemes involving both goods and services, including those exploiting the misuse of invoicing practices, professional services and cross-border contractual arrangements. They encouraged enhanced cooperation in strengthening digital financial security, including prevention of fraud in cross-border payment systems.

37. The Ministers recognized the need to ensure the use of space systems, as well as the achievements of space science and technologies, for peaceful purposes. They also reasserted the support for ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS) and of its weaponization, as well as the threats or use of force against outer space objects, including through negotiations to adopt a relevant legal multilateral instrument to ensure global security. They recognized the submission of the updated Draft Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space, the Threat or Use of Force against Outer Space Objects (PPWT) to the Conference on Disarmament in 2014 as an important step towards this goal. They stressed that practical and non-binding commitments such as Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs), and universally agreed norms, rules, and principles may also contribute to PAROS. They noted the initiative of some BRICS Members at the General Assembly to create a single Open-Ended Working Group to enable coherent, inclusive and effective discussions that serves such purpose and undertake to engage constructively in the process, on the basis of existing achievements, including on substantial elements on a legally binding instrument on PAROS.

38. The Ministers emphasized that all affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy sources and technologies, including low-emission and renewable options, play an important role in achieving the SDGs and energy security. They reaffirmed the importance of advancing just, inclusive, orderly and equitable energy transitions, in line with national circumstances and development priorities. They underscored the role of diversified energy sources, resilient energy supply chains and enhanced cooperation among BRICS countries through deliberations in the energy track.

39. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promote BRICS cooperation in the prevention of and fight against corruption and to the continued implementation of relevant international agreements in this regard, in particular the UN Convention against Corruption. They welcomed the work of the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group to foster collaboration on anti-corruption matters, including the formulation of the BRICS Common Vision and Joint Action on Enhanced Anti-Corruption Cooperation and Recovery and Return of Assets and Proceeds of Corruption, promotion of denial of safe haven and strengthening capacity-building among the member countries. They called upon the international community to strengthen cooperation in asset recovery and return of fugitive corruption offenders in accordance with international law.

40. The Ministers recognized that BRICS countries are key players in world food production and, as such, have a critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, and ensuring global food security and nutrition. They emphasized the importance of ensuring food security and nutrition and mitigating the impacts of acute food price volatility, as well as abrupt supply crises, including fertilizers shortage. In this regard, they acknowledged the importance of continued elaboration of the initiative to establish a grain trading platform within BRICS (the BRICS Grain Exchange) and its subsequent development and expanding into other agricultural products and commodities. They supported further discussions on national policies and on international coordination that enhance food availability, accessibility, utilization, stability and affordability, as well as relevant agricultural and food production inputs in BRICS and other developing countries – including those that strengthen national capacities to respond to supply disruptions, such as national food reserve systems. Building on the Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition, they also recognized the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty as an important initiative to promote international cooperation. They also looked forward to advance discussions on facilitating intra-BRICS trade of agricultural products, agricultural and food production inputs, and improve value chains and sustainable agricultural practices. They also recognized that family farmers, including smallholders, pastoralists, artisanal and small-scale fishers and aquaculture producers, indigenous peoples and local communities, women and youth, are essential stakeholders of agriculture and food systems.

41. The Ministers looked forward to further promoting transport dialogue, including in civil aviation, to meet the demands of all stakeholders and to enhance the BRICS countries’ transport potential while also respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states while carrying out transport cooperation. They reaffirmed the commitment of BRICS countries to develop sustainable and resilient transport infrastructure, recognizing its critical role in economic growth, connectivity, and environmental sustainability.

42. The Ministers noted that the multilateral trading system has long been at a crossroads. The proliferation of trade-restrictive actions, whether in the form of indiscriminate rising of tariffs and non-tariff measures, or protectionism under the guise of environmental objectives, threatens to further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities, potentially exacerbating existing economic disparities and affecting prospects for global economic development. They voiced serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules.

43. The Ministers stressed their commitment to uphold multilateralism as necessary to address challenges threatening their shared planet and future such as climate change. They resolved to remain united in the pursuit of the purpose and goals of the Paris Agreement and the objectives of the UNFCCC and called on all countries to uphold their existing commitment as Parties to the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement and to maintain and scale up their effort to combat climate change. They further reaffirmed their steadfast commitment, in pursuit of the objective of the UNFCCC, to tackle climate change by strengthening the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, including its provisions related to mitigation, adaptation and the provision of means of implementation to developing countries, reflecting equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of different national circumstances. They also recognized that high debt burdens further constrain climate and development investment in many developing countries and called for coordinated international action to enhance debt sustainability, expand fiscal space, and support sustainable development and climate financing. They encouraged BRICS cooperation in this regard in the Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development.

44. The Ministers recognised the successful hosting of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by Brazil in 2025 and welcomed its outcomes in advancing global climate action and focusing on the implementation of the Paris Agreement. They further recognized the important contribution of previous COP Presidencies, including Egypt’s COP27 and UAE’s COP28 Presidencies in advancing action on adaptation, finance and loss and damage. They also supported hosting of the COP32 by Ethiopia, including its action agenda and priorities, which would further strengthen international climate action, and advance participation and leadership of developing countries. They further underscored the importance of ensuring continuity of implementation and delivering practical outcomes across successive COP Presidencies.

45. The Ministers reaffirmed that cooperation within and through BRICS is fundamental to contributing to the global effort towards a sustainable future and equitable and just transitions for all. They underscored the importance of the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, of the fair, equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and of the effective implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, its Protocols, and its Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. They appreciated the establishment of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund and the contribution made by the Government of China and recognized its significant role in supporting developing countries for their biodiversity conservation. The Ministers recognized the active role of BRICS countries in the COP16 negotiations, particularly with regard to resource mobilization. The Ministers urged developed countries to ensure the provision of adequate, effective, predictable, timely and accessible financial resources to developing countries, as well as to improve capacity building, development and transfer of technology to developing countries for the conservation, sustainable use and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biodiversity. They underscored the critical role of all types of forests, including tropical forests, for conserving biodiversity, preserving water basins and soils and providing timber and non-timber forest products of high value for economic sectors, regulating hydrological cycles, as well as combatting desertification and land degradation and serving as vital carbon sinks. In that regard, they recognised the 2026 UN Water Conference and looked forward to advancing progress and discussions to accelerate implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation. They also took note of the "United for Our Forests” initiative, which promotes the conservation, sustainable management, and restoration of these essential tropical ecosystems. They took note of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate co-led by the UAE and Indonesia as platforms for international cooperation. While appreciating the efforts of BRICS countries to preserve rare species and noting the high vulnerability of big cats, they took note of the Republic of India’s initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance and encourage BRICS countries to work together to the conservation of big cats.

46. The Ministers welcomed the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility at the Belém Climate Summit and recognized it as an innovative mechanism designed to mobilize long-term, results-based financing for tropical forest conservation. They encouraged potential donor countries to announce ambitious contributions, in order to ensure the Facility’s capitalization and timely operationalization.

47. The Ministers underscored that strengthening the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks is vital for achieving sustainable development. In this regard, they acknowledged the role of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as an international partnership for supporting member and partner countries in integrating resilience across infrastructure systems through technical assistance, knowledge exchange, enabling policy and financing approaches. They also underscored the importance of investing in building sustainable resilience, prioritising prevention and taking anticipatory action, rooted in evidence-based policy making. They also underscored the importance of enhancing early warning systems and risk-informed planning to strengthen preparedness and response capacities.

48. The Ministers welcomed the deepening of cooperation in global health initiatives, including within the World Health Organization (WHO), and underscore d the importance of equitable, accessible, and resilient health systems through strengthened collaboration and capacity-building initiatives. In this context, they noted the ongoing negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) Annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement and its role in strengthening global preparedness, prevention and response to health emergencies. They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing collaboration across emerging priority areas, including digital health, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and nuclear medicine. They noted the contributions of traditional medicine systems to preventive care, medical treatment, rehabilitation, holistic well-being, and community-based health practices. They supported the activities of the BRICS R&D Vaccine Center, further development of the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for prevention and response to mass infectious diseases, the operations of the BRICS TB Research Network and the implementation of the Partnership for the elimination of socially determined diseases.

49. The Ministers recognized that Artificial Intelligence presents immense opportunity to stimulate economic growth and sustainable development for all. They further noted that international cooperation in enhancing accessibility of AI resources while ensuring its safety, security, inclusiveness and reliability, for promoting energy efficiency of AI systems, fostering AI Science and Innovation, developing trustworthy AI technologies, leveraging AI for economic growth and social good and mitigating potential risks would be essential for promoting a just, fair, equitable and prosperous future of all countries, especially those of Global South. They congratulated India on the successful holding of the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 and acknowledged that the Summit will contribute to strengthening international cooperation to advance common priorities. They also acknowledged the World AI Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai and its contribution in strengthening AI international cooperation for good and for all. They committed to implement the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence.

50. The Ministers encouraged strengthening BRICS Labour cooperation in promoting high-quality, full and productive employment through sustainable development and inclusive, human-centered labour markets. They recognized that Artificial Intelligence is transforming labour relations, creating new employment opportunities but also posing challenges such as job displacement and inequality.

51. The Ministers called for the protection of cultural heritage, including in regions affected by conflict, to prevent the destruction and illicit trafficking of cultural property, which is vital for preserving the history and identity of affected communities, as well as on the need to ensure the restitution and repatriation of cultural heritage and antiquities to their country of origin.

52. The Ministers recognized the transformative impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a key driver of socio-economic growth and digital transformation in BRICS countries and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening collaboration in this regard, based on each country’s national priorities and international commitments. They reaffirmed their support for an open, safe, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful, and interoperable ICT environment while respecting sovereignty and national security of each country and stressed the importance of the Global Mechanism on Developments in the Field of ICTs in the Context of International Security and Advancing Responsible States Behaviour in the Use of ICTs. They underscored the central role of the UN in fostering constructive dialogue to forge common understandings on security in the use of ICTs including discussions on developing a universal legal framework in this realm, further observation of universally agreed norms, rules and principles for responsible behaviour of States in the use of ICTs. They encouraged all States to consider signing and ratifying the UN Convention against Cybercrime, in accordance with domestic laws, processes and procedures, in order to ensure its rapid entry into force to enhance international cooperation in combating cybercrime.

53. The Ministers recognised the progress made in promoting BRICS cooperation in accordance with the Roadmap of Practical Cooperation on Ensuring Security in the Use of ICTs, and its progress report. They emphasized the importance of promoting the use of ICT for peaceful and developmental purposes and in a more inclusive, accessible, sustainable and interoperable manner, and ensuring that its applications remain people centered. They called for concerted and inclusive efforts to address the challenges stemming from and within the digital realm such as threat to security in the use of ICTs, malicious software, data security, and the misuse of technologies including cybercrime, misinformation, hate-speech, disinformation and deepfakes. They called for a comprehensive, balanced, and objective approach to the development and security of ICT products and systems as well as for the development and implementation of globally interoperable common rules and standards for supply chain security. They emphasized the growing importance of telecommunications for the preservation of peace and the economic and social development.

54. The Ministers underscored the importance of cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a driver for economic development and improved quality of life of the people in the BRICS nations. They welcomed the progress on the discussions of the technical and economic feasibility study for the establishment of the high-speed communication network through submarine cables between BRICS countries to promote digital infrastructure connectivity, capacity enhancement and common development. In this context, they welcomed the establishment of the BRICS Submarine Cable Task Force to advance discussions.

55. The Ministers underscored the important role of BRICS economies in fostering innovation, advancing technological cooperation, including in areas related to Industry 4.0, and promoting deeper engagement among start-ups and SMEs through intra-BRICS initiatives and exchanges. They acknowledged the importance of strengthening cooperation under the Partnership on the New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR). They encouraged members to join the BRICS Center for Industrial Competences (BCIC) in cooperation with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). They appreciated the launch of the BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub under the BRICS Startup Forum and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening collaboration in this regard.

56. As the New Development Bank embarks on its second golden decade of high-quality development, the Ministers recognized and supported its growing role as a robust and strategic agent of development and modernization in the Global South. They highlighted the growing role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in meeting the development priorities and infrastructure needs of EMDCs. They encouraged further efforts by the Bank to expand steadily its capacity to mobilize resources, foster innovation, expand local currency financing, diversify funding sources, and support impactful projects that advance sustainable development, reduce inequality, and promote infrastructure investments and economic integration. They recognized NDB as a crucial BRICS institution for promoting sustainable development, reducing inequalities, and supporting resilience in emerging economies. They encouraged the NDB to follow the member-led and demand-driven principle, and the ongoing strengthening of its governance framework, which enhance the Bank’s institutional resilience and operational effectiveness, to continue executing its purpose and functions in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. They reiterated support for the further expansion of NDB membership and expedited consideration of applications of interested BRICS countries, in line with the NDB General Strategy and its related policies. They expressed their appreciation to Russia for holding the 11th NDB Annual Meeting in Moscow on the 14-15 May 2026 as the Chair of the Board of Governors of the New Development Bank.

57. The Ministers reiterated the importance of enhancing partnerships and benefitting from co-financing opportunities with other major Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).

58. The Ministers also called for strengthening the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) and encouraged greater participation of new members in its operations. They valued the participation of new BRICS members who have expressed interest in joining the CRA and they are committed to onboarding them on a voluntary basis and according to country specific circumstances. They welcomed the progress on the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), including the consensus reached by the Technical Team on the proposal for the revised Treaty and regulations.

59. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of BRICS people-to-people exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation, and appreciated Indian chairship priorities in this regard. They acknowledged that people-to-people exchanges play an essential role in enriching our societies and developing our economies. They called for more efforts to respect diversity of cultures, highly value inheritance, innovation and creativity, jointly advocate robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation and recalled the adoption of the UNGA resolution A/RES/78/286 entitled "International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.

60. The Ministers noted that the BRICS expansion reflects its influence, credibility, and appeal as an important platform for inclusive global governance. They underscored the need for outcome oriented enhanced coordination, continuity and support for a long-term institutional development. They reaffirmed that institutional development is a continuous and dynamic process that should reflect needs and priorities of BRICS countries. In this regard, they welcomed the progress on the establishment of BRICS Online Archival Database and looked forward to further discussions for its early operationalisation as well as considering Chair’s initiative of MoU stocktaking exercise contributing to strengthening institutional development.

61. In light of the expansion of BRICS, the Ministers encouraged the further consideration of proposals on the order of rotation of the BRICS Chairship with the view to present the outcome for consideration of Leaders by the upcoming Summit in New Delhi.

62. The Ministers recognised valuable contribution of Partner countries to BRICS cooperation. They underscored their strong belief that advancing the BRICS partnership with EMDCs would further contribute to strengthening the spirit of solidarity and true international cooperation for the benefit of all. They reaffirmed their commitment to consolidate and strengthen BRICS in line with the spirit of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration, continuity, full consultation and consensus.

63. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to India for holding the meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations and extended their full support to BRICS Chairship of India in 2026. They expressed their commitment to working together to ensure the success of the XVIII BRICS Summit. They looked forward to the next BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations meeting to be held on the margins of UNGA 81 and hosted by China as incoming 2027 BRICS Chair.

New Delhi
May 15, 2026