New Delhi, Sep 12: Expressing deep concern over the “current global context of polarisation and distrust”, BRICS leaders on Saturday called for concerted global action to strengthen international peace and security, even as they flagged rising military spending, growing nuclear dangers and continuing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon and West Asia.
In a detailed declaration on “International and Regional Peace and Security” adopted at the BRICS Summit 2026 hosted by India, the grouping as per Kashmir Convener underlined that security among all countries is “indivisible” and reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.
The leaders called upon the international community to respond to security challenges through politico-diplomatic measures to lower conflict potential, stressing the need for conflict prevention efforts, including by addressing root causes. They highlighted the importance of preventive diplomacy and mediation, with the consent of relevant parties, as essential tools to avoid crises and prevent escalation in accordance with the UN Charter.
BRICS agreed to explore avenues for cooperation on prevention of armed conflicts, UN peacekeeping missions, African Union peace support operations, and mediation and peace processes, while encouraging the active role of regional organisations in conflict prevention and resolution.
Voicing concern over ongoing conflicts and the “current state of polarisation and fragmentation in the international order”, the leaders expressed alarm at the “critical increase in global military spending, to the detriment of the provision of adequate financing for development to developing countries”.
They advocated a multilateral approach respecting diverse national viewpoints on crucial global issues, including sustainable development, eradication of hunger and poverty and climate change — while expressing “deep concern over attempts to link security with the climate change agenda”.
Expressing concern about “the growing risks of nuclear danger and conflict”, BRICS reiterated the need for invigorating the system of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation. It stressed the significant contribution of nuclear-weapon-free zones to strengthening the non-proliferation regime and reaffirmed support for all existing zones and associated assurances against use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.
The leaders acknowledged the importance of accelerating implementation of resolutions on establishing a Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other WMDs in the Middle East, and called on all invited parties to participate in the relevant conference in good faith. They noted the adoption of UNGA Resolution 79/241 on a comprehensive study of nuclear-weapon-free zones.
Reiterating commitment to full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions, BRICS stressed the importance of ensuring full, equal, safe and meaningful participation of women in decision-making at all levels of peace and security processes — from conflict prevention and mediation to peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction.
Underlining the character of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, the leaders expressed deep concern over the situation relating to Cuba due to the “tightening of unilateral blockade measures”, their adverse effects on the Cuban economy and energy supplies, and the “worrying humanitarian impact” on the Cuban people. They reiterated the necessity of ending economic, commercial and financial measures against Cuba in accordance with UNGA Resolution A/RES/80/4.
Expressing deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East/West Asia, BRICS called for exercising maximum restraint and avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation. It urged protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and encouraged efforts through dialogue and diplomacy towards a long-term understanding for lasting peace and stability in the region. The leaders stressed the need to work together to maintain smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy in accordance with international law.
Serious concern was also expressed over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under full IAEA safeguards, with the declaration asserting that “nuclear safeguards, safety and security must always be upheld, including in armed conflicts”.
Taking note of the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2803, BRICS called for implementation of relevant UNGA and UNSC resolutions and urged all parties to ensure maintenance of ceasefire and full, unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. It expressed deep concern over continued violence in Gaza despite the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, called for halting any policies aimed at forced displacement of Palestinians and voiced concern over arrangements that may prejudice the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Reaffirming that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means, the leaders backed Palestine’s full membership in the UN in the context of the two-state solution — a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within the internationally recognised 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
BRICS expressed firm opposition to forced displacement of any of the Palestinian population “under any pretext”, as well as any geographic or demographic changes to Gaza. It condemned all violations of international humanitarian law, including use of starvation as a method of warfare and attacks on healthcare facilities, and reasserted steadfast support for UNRWA.
The leaders rejected any unilateral measures seeking to alter the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem and urged full respect for the sanctity of all religious sites.
Welcoming the ceasefire in Lebanon, BRICS called on all parties to strictly adhere to its terms and fully implement UNSC Resolution 1701, condemning continued violations of the ceasefire and of Lebanon’s sovereignty. It called on Israel to respect the terms agreed with the Lebanese government and withdraw its occupying forces from all Lebanese territories.
Highlighting the vital role of UNIFIL, the leaders condemned all attacks against its installations and personnel, extended deepest condolences for the loss of four Indonesian and other peacekeepers, and asserted that “the safety and security of UN peacekeepers are non-negotiable”. They called for accountability for those responsible for the attacks.
Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Sudan, including the worsening humanitarian crisis and growing risk of proliferation of extremism and terrorism, BRICS called for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and a peaceful resolution through dialogue. It stressed the need for sustained, urgent and unhindered humanitarian access and reiterated that “African solution to African problems” should continue to serve as the basis for conflict resolution.
On Syria, BRICS reaffirmed commitment to its sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and called for a peaceful and inclusive political transition based on UNSC Resolution 2254 (2015), free from foreign interference. It highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue of foreign terrorist fighters and reaffirmed the necessity of withdrawal of occupying forces from Syria.
In a significant reference, BRICS expressed strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as “criminal and unjustifiable” and condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed and many more injured.
Reaffirming commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and safe havens, the leaders urged zero tolerance for terrorism and rejected double standards in countering it. They called for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework and concerted action against all UN-designated terrorists and entities, while welcoming the work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group.
BRICS expressed concern over illicit financial flows, including financing of terrorism, trafficking of firearms and persons, money laundering and illegal virtual asset flows, noting their adverse impact on economic stability and integrity of the international financial system. Serious concern was voiced over the proliferation of organised scam networks and “scam compounds”, with the leaders underlining the importance of coordinated international action to dismantle such networks and protect victims.
Reaffirming commitment to combating corruption and implementing the UN Convention against Corruption, BRICS welcomed the establishment of the BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery and the BRICS Repository on Informal Cooperation for Tracing Fugitive Offenders Sought for Corruption and Supporting Extradition.
The wide-ranging security declaration, adopted at the India-hosted summit, positions BRICS as a key voice for de-escalation and diplomacy amid a fractious global order.
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