Diplomatic engagements drive day two
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues his extensive diplomatic outreach on Sunday during the second day of the New Delhi BRICS Summit. Seven bilateral meetings are on his schedule, encompassing discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo, and Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima. Ramaphosa, who attended a session on inclusive global governance on Saturday, remains a core partner. El-Sisi also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the weekend. These strategic interactions reflect India’s effort to strengthen political and economic ties across African and Asian continents. Since its inception in 2009, this coalition of major emerging economies has increasingly positioned itself as a critical counterbalance to Western-dominated financial and political frameworks.
Focusing on global growth
Summit activities center around an open session titled 'Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth'. Taking place inside Bharat Mandapam, this plenary brings together BRICS members and partner nations. India is hosting the gathering under its 2026 chairship theme. Discussions will explore avenues to enhance mutual cooperation and promote development strategies. South African President Ramaphosa addressed the BRICS Business Forum on Friday, stating that the bloc stands at an "inflection point." He pointed to rapid technological changes, climate pressures, and shifting trade patterns, presenting a unique chance to build a resilient, diversified economic future for the Global South.
Saturday marked a significant breakthrough as leaders unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration. Prime Minister Modi described this consensus as evidence of a group that is “wider in reach and stronger in purpose”. The document prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and people-to-people ties to make cooperation “more practical, development-oriented and responsive to the aspirations of the BRICS nations”. The declaration issued strong statements on international conflicts, urging maximum restraint in West Asia. It reaffirmed support for a lasting two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging deeper institutional support for Palestine and reminding Israel of its obligation to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza. Furthermore, member nations forcefully called for an immediate end to unilateral economic sanctions, warning that green-labelled trade barriers actively disrupt global supply chains.
With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI
