The Hindu Editorial • September 15, 2026 • Read Original

The 18th BRICS Summit pushed for changes in traditional power equations

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on September 15, 2026

Building consensus: On the 18th BRICS Summit, the New Delhi Declaration

The 18th BRICS Summit pushed for changes in traditional power equations

International Relations BRICS SummitNew Delhi DeclarationReformed MultilateralismGlobal SouthIndia Diplomacy

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 16

English Original

Reaffirming the importance of reformed multilateralism in a world riven with unilateral actions by superpowers emerged as a binding theme of the 18th BRICS Summit and the New Delhi Declaration.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Reaffirming the importance of

Stating once again that international systems and institutions need fair changes

Part 2

in a world with actions by superpowers

In a world deeply divided by major powerful countries acting alone without global agreement

Part 3

emerged as a theme

Came forward as a unifying central idea

Part 4

of the 18th Summit and the New Delhi Declaration.

Of the 18th meeting of BRICS leaders and their agreed official joint statement.

Context and Background

18th BRICS Summit and New Delhi Declaration

The 18th BRICS Summit was hosted by India in New Delhi in September 2026, marking India’s fourth chairship of the grouping after 2012, 2016, and 2021. The New Delhi Declaration is the official consensus document adopted by member states outlining shared geopolitical, financial, and institutional goals.

Sentence 2 of 16

English Original

The Summit’s success could be measured by three main parameters — the participation of members at the highest levels, the importance given to intra-BRICS trade cooperation mechanisms and the consensus achieved by Indian negotiators in forging a joint statement in a time of war.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Summit’s success could be measured by three main —

The success of this summit can be judged using three major standards or criteria (namely)

Part 2

the participation of members at the highest levels,

Top national leaders (presidents and prime ministers) personally attending the meetings,

Part 3

the importance given to trade cooperation mechanisms

The major focus placed on trade and economic systems between member nations

Part 4

and the achieved by Indian

And the total agreement successfully reached by Indian diplomats

Part 5

in forging a joint statement in a time of war.

In creating and finalizing an agreed joint document during ongoing international conflicts.

Sentence 3 of 16

English Original

The government should be commended for ensuring that Iran and the UAE, two rivals in the West Asian conflict, used the occasion for their highest-level bilateral meeting since the war began.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The government should be

The Indian government deserves praise

Part 2

for ensuring that Iran and the ,

For making sure that Iran and the United Arab Emirates,

Part 3

two rivals in the West Asian conflict,

Two opposing countries in Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions,

Part 4

used the occasion for their highest-level meeting

Took advantage of this summit to hold direct two-country talks between their top leaders

Part 5

since the war began.

Ever since regional military fighting broke out.

Context and Background

Iran-UAE Diplomatic Engagement at BRICS

Both Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) formally joined the BRICS grouping in January 2024. Despite intense geopolitical rivalries and regional hostilities in West Asia, India utilized its diplomatic goodwill to facilitate high-level bilateral dialogue between the two nations on the sidelines of the New Delhi Summit.

Sentence 4 of 16

English Original

The New Delhi Declaration, which was issued despite scepticism about all the differences within the grouping, presented the BRICS as a formidable front in its 20th year.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The New Delhi Declaration,

The joint official agreement issued at the New Delhi summit,

Part 2

which was issued despite about all the differences within the grouping,

Which was released even though critics doubted that countries with so many disagreements could agree,

Part 3

presented

Showed the BRICS alliance to the world

Part 4

as a in its 20th year.

As a powerful and united group in the 20th year since its diplomatic meetings began.

Context and Background

20 Years of BRICS (2006-2026)

The BRIC grouping began diplomatic dialogue in September 2006 when foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, and China met on the margins of the UN General Assembly. South Africa joined in 2010 to form BRICS. The 2026 New Delhi Summit marks the 20th anniversary of this multilateral partnership.

Sentence 5 of 16

English Original

Among the BRICS members, the position of Saudi Arabia, which has yet to formally join the group, remains ambiguous, as Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud arrived after the main session where the joint statement was adopted on Saturday.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Among the BRICS members,

Out of all the member countries belonging to the BRICS group,

Part 2

the position of Saudi Arabia, which has yet to formally join the group,

The official standing of Saudi Arabia, which has still not completed its official membership process,

Part 3

remains ,

Stays unclear and open to different interpretations,

Part 4

as Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud arrived after the main session

Because Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister reached the summit only after the key meeting ended

Part 5

where the joint statement was on Saturday.

In which the collective agreement was officially accepted by other leaders on Saturday.

Context and Background

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia was among the six countries invited to join BRICS at the 2023 summit in Johannesburg. While the UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia formally completed their memberships in 2024, Saudi Arabia has delayed full official formalization to carefully balance its strategic relationships between Western allies and Eastern powers.

Sentence 6 of 16

English Original

For the other members, however, the consensus was clear on issues of global importance.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

For the other members, however,

However, for all the remaining member nations,

Part 2

the consensus was clear

The general agreement was definite and unambiguous

Part 3

on issues of global importance.

Regarding major matters that affect the entire world.

Sentence 7 of 16

English Original

The declaration made a call for the reform of the Security Council and support for a greater role for Brazil and India while recommending new initiatives for global governance.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The declaration made a call

The joint summit statement officially appealed and demanded

Part 2

for the reform of the

For restructuring and modernizing the United Nations Security Council

Part 3

and support for a greater role for Brazil and India

And expressed strong backing for larger leadership roles for Brazil and India

Part 4

while recommending new initiatives for .

While also proposing fresh collaborative programmes to manage international affairs.

Context and Background

UNSC Reform and the Bid by India and Brazil

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has five permanent members with veto power (US, UK, France, Russia, China) established in 1945. India and Brazil, alongside Japan and Germany (the G4 alliance), have continuously advocated for expanding permanent and non-permanent seats to reflect 21st-century geopolitical realities and provide fair representation to developing economies.

Sentence 8 of 16

English Original

It condemned western sanctions and tariffs and resolved to improve intra-BRICS trade and transact more in local currencies.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

It condemned western and

The declaration strongly disapproved of financial restrictions and import taxes imposed by Western nations

Part 2

and to improve intra-BRICS trade

And firmly pledged to boost commercial exchange between member nations

Part 3

and more in local currencies.

And conduct more bilateral business using their own national monies instead of the US dollar.

Context and Background

BRICS Trade in Local Currencies

To reduce vulnerability to unilateral Western economic sanctions and foreign exchange volatility linked to the US dollar, BRICS nations have actively promoted bilateral settlement in national currencies (such as the Indian Rupee, Chinese Yuan, Russian Ruble, and UAE Dirham) and established intra-group payment infrastructure.

Sentence 9 of 16

English Original

It also condemned unilateral wars, without criticising any member.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

It also condemned unilateral wars,

The joint declaration also spoke out against wars launched by single nations without UN approval,

Part 2

without any member.

While carefully avoiding direct blame or criticism of any individual member nation.

Sentence 10 of 16

English Original

While the statement omitted references to the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran, the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and of Iran’s retaliatory attacks on its neighbours, especially the UAE, it is understood that this was due to a last-moment compromise effected between the two countries so as to forge the agreed text.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While the statement references to the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran,

Although the official declaration left out any direct mention of military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran,

Part 2

the of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei,

The targeted killing of Iran’s top political and religious leader Ali Khamenei,

Part 3

and of Iran’s attacks on its neighbours, especially the UAE,

And Iran’s counterattacks against nearby Middle Eastern countries, particularly the UAE,

Part 4

it is understood that this was due to a last-moment

Diplomatic sources explain that this omission happened because of an eleventh-hour mutual agreement

Part 5

between the two countries

Successfully worked out and achieved between Iran and the UAE

Part 6

so as to forge the agreed text.

In order to successfully produce and finalize a unanimously accepted summit statement.

Context and Background

West Asian Tensions and Diplomatic Compromise

The 2026 BRICS Summit took place against the backdrop of unprecedented geopolitical hostilities in West Asia, including military strikes and retaliatory missile exchanges between Iran, Israel, the US, and regional Gulf states. To prevent the summit declaration from collapsing over divisive language, Indian mediators negotiated an omission of contentious mutual accusations between Iran and the UAE.

Sentence 11 of 16

English Original

It also took an exceptionally strong position on Israel’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

It also took an strong position

The declaration also adopted a very firm, critical stance

Part 2

on Israel’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon.

Regarding Israel’s military operations in Palestinian territories and Lebanon.

Sentence 12 of 16

English Original

India’s fourth BRICS chairship has given ballast to its reputation as a Global South balancer with easy access to both sides of a divided world, while delivering bilateral benefits.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

India’s fourth BRICS chairship

India hosting and leading the BRICS summit for the fourth time

Part 2

has given to its reputation

Has provided strong stability and weight to its international standing

Part 3

as a

As a leader that balances interests of developing nations

Part 4

with easy access to both sides of a divided world,

With the rare ability to talk smoothly with both Western and non-Western powers,

Part 5

while delivering bilateral benefits.

While also securing direct two-way political and economic gains for India.

Context and Background

India as a Global South Balancer

Under its foreign policy of strategic autonomy and multi-alignment, India actively positions itself as the voice of the Global South. By maintaining strong diplomatic partnerships with the Western bloc (via Quad and bilateral pacts) as well as non-Western groupings (BRICS and SCO), India acts as a diplomatic bridge in international negotiations.

Sentence 13 of 16

English Original

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s close attention to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian would have gone some way in assuaging hurt feelings, when New Delhi appeared to be tilting towards the U.S. and Israel in the war.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s close attention

Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving careful personal time and diplomatic focus

Part 2

to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian

To Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the summit

Part 3

would have gone some way

Would have helped significantly

Part 4

in hurt feelings,

In calming down resentments and soothing diplomatic grievances,

Part 5

when appeared to be towards the U.S. and Israel in the war.

At a time when the Indian government seemed to lean more toward supporting the US and Israel during the conflict.

Context and Background

India-Iran Diplomatic Ties and Chabahar

Masoud Pezeshkian was elected President of Iran in July 2024. India maintains strategic ties with Tehran, particularly concerning the long-term management contract for the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), while balancing its deepening security and economic ties with Israel and the United States.

Sentence 14 of 16

English Original

Mr. Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping also afforded the two countries a chance to reaffirm their political will to normalise ties.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping

The bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping

Part 2

also the two countries a chance

Also provided India and China an important opportunity

Part 3

to their political will to ties.

To state again strongly their mutual leadership desire to restore peaceful, standard diplomatic and economic relations.

Context and Background

India-China Border Disengagement and Bilateral Reset

Bilateral ties between India and China faced severe strain following the eastern Ladakh military standoff in 2020. Ground-level disengagement agreements reached in late 2024 and bilateral dialogues at subsequent BRICS summits enabled leaders Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping to resume structured high-level engagement to stabilize trade, border peace, and diplomatic communication.

Sentence 15 of 16

English Original

And his meeting with important leaders from the ASEAN grouping and African nations paid much-needed attention to India’s ties with them.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

And his meeting with important leaders

And Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic discussions with prominent leaders

Part 2

from the grouping and African nations

From Southeast Asian nations and African partner countries

Part 3

paid much-needed attention

Provided essential and long-awaited diplomatic focus

Part 4

to India’s ties with them.

To strengthening India’s bilateral relationships with those regional blocs.

Context and Background

BRICS Plus and India’s South-South Diplomacy

The BRICS summit regularly hosts ‘BRICS Plus’ outreach sessions with leaders from Southeast Asia (ASEAN) and the African Union. This provides India an ideal platform to advance its Act East Policy and deepen strategic partnerships across Africa, reinforcing its commitment to South-South cooperation.

Sentence 16 of 16

English Original

This BRICS Summit will be remembered for a moment of solidarity among countries that have many differences but are together in desiring a shift in traditional power equations to one more driven by their emerging economies.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This BRICS Summit will be remembered

This meeting of BRICS leaders will stay in global memory

Part 2

for a moment of among countries

As a time of unity and mutual support among member nations

Part 3

that have many differences

Even though they have significant geopolitical and economic disagreements

Part 4

but are together in desiring a shift in traditional

Yet stand completely united in wanting a change in how global political power is distributed

Part 5

to one more driven by their .

Toward a new global system shaped more strongly by fast-growing developing nations.

Sentence 1 of 16

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 The 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, reaffirming reformed multilateralism amid global geopolitical divisions.
2 A key diplomatic achievement of the summit was facilitating the highest-level bilateral dialogue between West Asian rivals Iran and the UAE since the outbreak of conflict.
3 The joint declaration called for UN Security Council reforms supporting greater roles for India and Brazil, while opposing western sanctions and promoting local currency trade.
4 A carefully negotiated compromise between Iran and the UAE enabled a consensus text, even as Saudi Arabia maintained an ambiguous stance on formal membership.
5 The summit strengthened India’s stature as a credible balancer for the Global South, bridging geopolitical divides while advancing bilateral ties with China, ASEAN, and African nations.

Tone of the Editorial

laudatory

Why this tone?

The editorial commends India’s diplomatic leadership and negotiation skills during the 18th BRICS Summit. It highlights India’s success in bringing conflicting nations like Iran and the UAE together and securing a consensus declaration amidst global divisions, praising its role as an effective Global South balancer.

Sentence 1 of 16

Reaffirming the importance of reformed multilateralism in a world riven with unilateral actions by superpowers emerged as a binding theme of the 18th BRICS Summit and the New Delhi Declaration.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Reaffirming the importance of reformed multilateralism

Stating once again that international systems and institutions need fair changes

Part 2

in a world riven with unilateral actions by superpowers

In a world deeply divided by major powerful countries acting alone without global agreement

Part 3

emerged as a binding theme

Came forward as a unifying central idea

Part 4

of the 18th BRICS Summit and the New Delhi Declaration.

Of the 18th meeting of BRICS leaders and their agreed official joint statement.

Sentence 2 of 16

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Summit’s success could be measured by three main parameters —

The success of this summit can be judged using three major standards or criteria (namely)

Part 2

the participation of members at the highest levels,

Top national leaders (presidents and prime ministers) personally attending the meetings,

Part 3

the importance given to intra-BRICS trade cooperation mechanisms

The major focus placed on trade and economic systems between member nations

Part 4

and the consensus achieved by Indian negotiators

And the total agreement successfully reached by Indian diplomats

Part 5

in forging a joint statement in a time of war.

In creating and finalizing an agreed joint document during ongoing international conflicts.

Sentence 3 of 16

The government should be commended for ensuring that Iran and the UAE, two rivals in the West Asian conflict, used the occasion for their highest-level bilateral meeting since the war began.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The government should be commended

The Indian government deserves praise

Part 2

for ensuring that Iran and the UAE,

For making sure that Iran and the United Arab Emirates,

Part 3

two rivals in the West Asian conflict,

Two opposing countries in Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions,

Part 4

used the occasion for their highest-level bilateral meeting

Took advantage of this summit to hold direct two-country talks between their top leaders

Part 5

since the war began.

Ever since regional military fighting broke out.

Sentence 4 of 16

The New Delhi Declaration, which was issued despite scepticism about all the differences within the grouping, presented the BRICS as a formidable front in its 20th year.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The New Delhi Declaration,

The joint official agreement issued at the New Delhi summit,

Part 2

which was issued despite scepticism about all the differences within the grouping,

Which was released even though critics doubted that countries with so many disagreements could agree,

Part 3

presented the BRICS

Showed the BRICS alliance to the world

Part 4

as a formidable front in its 20th year.

As a powerful and united group in the 20th year since its diplomatic meetings began.

Sentence 5 of 16

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Among the BRICS members,

Out of all the member countries belonging to the BRICS group,

Part 2

the position of Saudi Arabia, which has yet to formally join the group,

The official standing of Saudi Arabia, which has still not completed its official membership process,

Part 3

remains ambiguous,

Stays unclear and open to different interpretations,

Part 4

as Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud arrived after the main session

Because Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister reached the summit only after the key meeting ended

Part 5

where the joint statement was adopted on Saturday.

In which the collective agreement was officially accepted by other leaders on Saturday.

Sentence 6 of 16

For the other members, however, the consensus was clear on issues of global importance.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

For the other members, however,

However, for all the remaining member nations,

Part 2

the consensus was clear

The general agreement was definite and unambiguous

Part 3

on issues of global importance.

Regarding major matters that affect the entire world.

Sentence 7 of 16

The declaration made a call for the reform of the Security Council and support for a greater role for Brazil and India while recommending new initiatives for global governance.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The declaration made a call

The joint summit statement officially appealed and demanded

Part 2

for the reform of the Security Council

For restructuring and modernizing the United Nations Security Council

Part 3

and support for a greater role for Brazil and India

And expressed strong backing for larger leadership roles for Brazil and India

Part 4

while recommending new initiatives for global governance.

While also proposing fresh collaborative programmes to manage international affairs.

Sentence 8 of 16

It condemned western sanctions and tariffs and resolved to improve intra-BRICS trade and transact more in local currencies.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

It condemned western sanctions and tariffs

The declaration strongly disapproved of financial restrictions and import taxes imposed by Western nations

Part 2

and resolved to improve intra-BRICS trade

And firmly pledged to boost commercial exchange between member nations

Part 3

and transact more in local currencies.

And conduct more bilateral business using their own national monies instead of the US dollar.

Sentence 9 of 16

It also condemned unilateral wars, without criticising any member.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

It also condemned unilateral wars,

The joint declaration also spoke out against wars launched by single nations without UN approval,

Part 2

without criticising any member.

While carefully avoiding direct blame or criticism of any individual member nation.

Sentence 10 of 16

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While the statement omitted references to the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran,

Although the official declaration left out any direct mention of military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran,

Part 2

the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei,

The targeted killing of Iran’s top political and religious leader Ali Khamenei,

Part 3

and of Iran’s retaliatory attacks on its neighbours, especially the UAE,

And Iran’s counterattacks against nearby Middle Eastern countries, particularly the UAE,

Part 4

it is understood that this was due to a last-moment compromise

Diplomatic sources explain that this omission happened because of an eleventh-hour mutual agreement

Part 5

effected between the two countries

Successfully worked out and achieved between Iran and the UAE

Part 6

so as to forge the agreed text.

In order to successfully produce and finalize a unanimously accepted summit statement.

Sentence 11 of 16

It also took an exceptionally strong position on Israel’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

It also took an exceptionally strong position

The declaration also adopted a very firm, critical stance

Part 2

on Israel’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon.

Regarding Israel’s military operations in Palestinian territories and Lebanon.

Sentence 12 of 16

India’s fourth BRICS chairship has given ballast to its reputation as a Global South balancer with easy access to both sides of a divided world, while delivering bilateral benefits.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

India’s fourth BRICS chairship

India hosting and leading the BRICS summit for the fourth time

Part 2

has given ballast to its reputation

Has provided strong stability and weight to its international standing

Part 3

as a Global South balancer

As a leader that balances interests of developing nations

Part 4

with easy access to both sides of a divided world,

With the rare ability to talk smoothly with both Western and non-Western powers,

Part 5

while delivering bilateral benefits.

While also securing direct two-way political and economic gains for India.

Sentence 13 of 16

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s close attention

Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving careful personal time and diplomatic focus

Part 2

to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian

To Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the summit

Part 3

would have gone some way

Would have helped significantly

Part 4

in assuaging hurt feelings,

In calming down resentments and soothing diplomatic grievances,

Part 5

when New Delhi appeared to be tilting towards the U.S. and Israel in the war.

At a time when the Indian government seemed to lean more toward supporting the US and Israel during the conflict.

Sentence 14 of 16

Mr. Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping also afforded the two countries a chance to reaffirm their political will to normalise ties.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping

The bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping

Part 2

also afforded the two countries a chance

Also provided India and China an important opportunity

Part 3

to reaffirm their political will to normalise ties.

To state again strongly their mutual leadership desire to restore peaceful, standard diplomatic and economic relations.

Sentence 15 of 16

And his meeting with important leaders from the ASEAN grouping and African nations paid much-needed attention to India’s ties with them.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

And his meeting with important leaders

And Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic discussions with prominent leaders

Part 2

from the ASEAN grouping and African nations

From Southeast Asian nations and African partner countries

Part 3

paid much-needed attention

Provided essential and long-awaited diplomatic focus

Part 4

to India’s ties with them.

To strengthening India’s bilateral relationships with those regional blocs.

Sentence 16 of 16

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This BRICS Summit will be remembered

This meeting of BRICS leaders will stay in global memory

Part 2

for a moment of solidarity among countries

As a time of unity and mutual support among member nations

Part 3

that have many differences

Even though they have significant geopolitical and economic disagreements

Part 4

but are together in desiring a shift in traditional power equations

Yet stand completely united in wanting a change in how global political power is distributed

Part 5

to one more driven by their emerging economies.

Toward a new global system shaped more strongly by fast-growing developing nations.

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - 18th BRICS Summit and New Delhi Declaration

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the 18th BRICS Summit and the New Delhi Declaration.

7 Questions Passing: 50%

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