BRICS leaders denounce US-led war, tariffs and sanctions at New Delhi summit

Emerging-economy leaders gathered in New Delhi and produced a joint statement that reproached the US-initiated war in West Asia, as well as Washington’s tariff campaign and sanctions regime. The document, spanning 45 pages, urged maximum restraint, expressed deep concern over the conflict’s escalation, and condemned attacks on civilian and nuclear facilities. Although the United States and its president were omitted by name, the language was clearly aimed at US policies.

Internal disagreements—particularly between Iran, which sought a strong denunciation of the US and Israel, and the UAE, a US ally demanding criticism of Iran—were reconciled to present a unified front. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing trust of the Global South in BRICS, while Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping used the meeting to reinforce ties and propose initiatives such as a BRICS AI special zone. The summit underscored the bloc’s effort to present an alternative to the Western-led order amid energy disruptions affecting China and India.