PM Modi and other Brics leaders at the 2026 summit in Bharat Mandapam, New DelhiNEW DELHI: In a dramatic repeat of the 2023 G20 Declaration under India’s presidency, BRICS member-states reached a consensus for a joint declaration following intensive, late-night negotiations that lasted till 4 am on Saturday. In a delicately worded compromise, the declaration addressed the interests of both sides by expressing serious concerns over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and also peaceful nuclear facilities under full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in violation of international law and relevant resolutions of the IAEA.

This implicit criticism of US-Israeli action against Iran was crucial in getting Iran to sign off on the declaration. Zero tolerance for terror, Pahalgam gets mention“We in BRICS must fight against the normalization of attacks on civilian, vital infrastructure.

The same applies to peaceful nuclear infrastructure," said Pezeshkian at the summit. Nuclear safeguards, safety, and security must always be upheld, including in armed conflicts, to protect people and the environment from harm, said the declaration.

Official sources said India led prolonged negotiations at multiple levels to reconcile sharp differences between the 2 sides and forge consensus with support from other member-states who were keen that the summit didn’t end without a joint statement. The BRICS consensus is reminiscent of the last-minute G20 2023 Delhi declaration that was achieved in the middle of the escalating Russia-Ukraine war with a carefully nuanced formulation that called upon all States to refrain from use of force for territorial acquisition but without naming Russia.

The BRICS declaration also came days before Iran’s meeting with GCC countries on the Strait of Hormuz situation. In Pezeshkian’s meeting with the crown prince, the leaders underscored the importance of supporting efforts to ease tensions, promote de-escalation and strengthen regional stability.

Indian officials had on Friday expressed confidence about a constructive outcome from the negotiations, following Modi’s meeting with Pezeshkian in which he expressed solidarity with Tehran, seeking a long-term and win-win partnership with Iran. On other issues, like in Rio last year, 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 the Security Council.