New Delhi, Sep 25 : The BRICS New Delhi Declaration has sought common ground on geopolitical tensions, terrorism, trade and global governance while also outlining a broad framework for climate and environmental cooperation. However, the document leaves significant room for member countries to translate those commitments into measurable action on deforestation, biodiversity protection, energy transition and climate resilience.
The declaration, adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, reaffirmed the grouping’s commitment to multilateralism and cooperation among developing and emerging economies. On international conflicts, the members emphasised dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes, while also reiterating the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement also addressed terrorism, trade restrictions and reforms of global institutions. BRICS members reiterated their opposition to unilateral measures that they consider inconsistent with international trade rules and called for a more representative international system.
Climate change emerged as another major area of discussion. The declaration reaffirmed support for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement and called on countries to strengthen efforts on mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage. It also referred to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, taking into account the different circumstances and development priorities of individual countries.
For developing countries, the declaration placed particular emphasis on access to climate finance, technology and capacity building. BRICS leaders noted that high debt burdens can restrict the ability of developing economies to invest in climate resilience and sustainable development. They called for international action to expand fiscal space and support climate and development financing.
The grouping also backed nationally determined just transitions, signalling that the move towards cleaner energy should take account of different economic structures and national priorities. The approach reflects the differing energy profiles of BRICS members, many of which continue to depend heavily on conventional fuels while expanding renewable capacity.
Energy security was therefore given considerable importance. The declaration recognised that fossil fuels would continue to have a role in the global energy mix, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies. At the same time, it called for just, orderly, equitable and inclusive energy transitions and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions consistent with international climate objectives.
This position reflects the tension between immediate energy requirements and long-term climate objectives. Several BRICS members are major producers or exporters of oil and gas, while others remain dependent on imported energy. The declaration consequently sought to combine energy security with a gradual transition towards lower emission systems rather than setting out a single pathway for all members.
BRICS countries also raised concerns about the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The declaration argued that unilateral trade measures linked to environmental objectives should not create additional burdens for developing economies. Members called for climate policies to be implemented in a manner consistent with international law and the principle of equity.
The issue is particularly significant for developing economies whose industries face increasing pressure to reduce the carbon intensity of exports. BRICS members have argued that climate related trade measures should not become another form of protectionism or restrict the development opportunities of countries with lower historical contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Forest conservation received separate attention in the declaration. BRICS leaders highlighted the importance of both tropical and boreal forests for biodiversity, water systems, soil protection, livelihoods and carbon storage. They encouraged the exchange of best practices on sustainable forest management and restoration.
The document also welcomed the BRICS Principles for Integrated Landscape Based Greening and Land Restoration and the common understanding on wildfire preparedness and response. These initiatives are intended to strengthen cooperation among member countries facing increasingly complex environmental pressures.
The declaration acknowledged that forests perform several interconnected functions. They regulate water cycles, help combat desertification and land degradation, support local communities and provide habitats for biodiversity. Their role as carbon sinks also makes forest protection an important component of climate mitigation.
BRICS leaders further recognised the environmental challenges associated with drought, water shortages, desertification, land degradation, sand and dust storms and wildfires. The declaration called for integrated management of mountains, water resources, forests, peatlands, mangroves, agricultural land, grasslands and deserts.
Biodiversity conservation was another area where the grouping called for greater international cooperation. BRICS reaffirmed the importance of implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It also called for developed countries to provide developing nations with financial resources, capacity building and technology for biodiversity conservation.
India’s International Big Cat Alliance was also recognised in the declaration. BRICS countries were encouraged to cooperate in conserving big cats, many of which face habitat loss, human wildlife conflict and other pressures.
The declaration’s focus on biodiversity comes as several BRICS members contain some of the world’s most important ecological regions. Brazil is home to a major share of the Amazon rainforest, while Russia contains extensive boreal forests. Other members include important mountain, desert, coastal and tropical ecosystems.
These ecological systems face different pressures. Tropical forests are affected by agricultural expansion, logging and infrastructure development, while boreal ecosystems face pressures from industrial activity, wildfires and climate-driven changes. The scale and nature of these challenges make coordinated conservation particularly important.
The declaration also welcomed the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, a financing mechanism intended to mobilise long-term resources for tropical forest conservation. It encouraged potential investor countries to make contributions so that the mechanism can become operational.
At the same time, the document does not establish detailed targets for reducing deforestation across BRICS countries. It encourages cooperation, restoration and sustainable management but leaves implementation largely to individual nations. This means the effectiveness of the commitments will depend on national policies, financing, monitoring and enforcement.
Energy security presents another major challenge. Geopolitical tensions and disruptions to major shipping routes have demonstrated the vulnerability of global energy markets. For countries dependent on imported oil and gas, interruptions can increase costs and affect economic growth.
The BRICS declaration therefore placed energy security alongside the transition to cleaner energy. Members supported cooperation in areas such as smart grids, energy storage, hydrogen standards, critical minerals and low-emission technologies. India has also proposed a BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage.
China’s position in renewable energy manufacturing and critical mineral processing could provide opportunities for wider cooperation within the grouping. Greater technology sharing, investment and supply chain cooperation could help other developing members expand renewable power and energy-storage capacity.
The environmental agenda had already received attention during India’s BRICS chairship. At the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in August, members adopted a joint ministerial statement and discussed knowledge sharing, technology cooperation and institutional partnerships for environmental protection.
The Delhi declaration builds on that work but also demonstrates the difficulty of creating a common climate strategy among countries with different economic structures and energy requirements. Some members are major fossil-fuel producers, while others are large energy importers. Their priorities on energy security, economic development and emissions reduction can therefore differ.
For the Global South, climate action is also closely linked to financing. Developing countries have repeatedly argued that ambitious climate commitments require affordable capital, technology transfer and greater support from developed economies. BRICS has incorporated these concerns into its declaration by stressing equity and differentiated responsibilities.
The declaration’s environmental provisions therefore represent both a commitment and a challenge. BRICS has acknowledged the importance of climate action, biodiversity, forests, ecosystem restoration and energy transition. The next stage will be converting those broad commitments into financing mechanisms, measurable conservation programmes, technology partnerships and stronger monitoring systems.
The grouping’s ability to protect forests and biodiversity while maintaining energy security will depend on how individual members implement the commitments. With BRICS representing a large share of the world’s population, economic activity and natural ecosystems, progress in these areas could have consequences well beyond the grouping itself.