BRICS leaders call for diplomacy, conflict prevention amid growing global polarisation
By Aroonim Bhuyan
New Delhi, Sep 12. BRICS leaders have voiced concern over growing global polarisation, mistrust and fragmentation, calling for stronger international efforts to safeguard peace and security through dialogue, diplomacy and conflict-prevention mechanisms.
The concerns were articulated in the 2026 New Delhi Declaration, adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit in the national capital on September 12, as member states sought to underline the importance of diplomatic solutions amid rising geopolitical tensions and a sharp increase in global military spending.
The leaders called on the international community to address emerging security challenges through political and diplomatic means aimed at reducing the potential for conflict and tackling its underlying causes. They stressed that security is indivisible and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving international disputes peacefully through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.
The declaration also called for a greater role for regional organisations in preventing and resolving conflicts and backed initiatives aimed at achieving peaceful settlements to ongoing crises.
BRICS leaders placed particular emphasis on preventive diplomacy and mediation, saying these mechanisms, with the consent of the parties concerned, could help avert crises and prevent existing conflicts from escalating. They agreed to explore greater cooperation in preventing armed conflicts, supporting UN peacekeeping operations, African Union peace-support initiatives, and mediation and peace processes.
The leaders expressed concern over conflicts in several parts of the world and the growing polarisation and fragmentation of the international order. They also criticised the sharp rise in global military expenditure, warning that increasing defence spending could come at the expense of adequate financing for development in developing countries.
The declaration advocated a multilateral approach that accommodates diverse national perspectives on major global issues, including sustainable development, hunger and poverty eradication and efforts to address climate change. At the same time, the leaders expressed concern over attempts to link security considerations with the climate-change agenda.
The BRICS countries also highlighted growing concerns over nuclear risks and the possibility of nuclear conflict, calling for renewed efforts to strengthen the global architecture for disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation.
They stressed the importance of nuclear-weapon-free zones in reinforcing the international non-proliferation regime and reaffirmed their support for existing zones and associated assurances against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.
The declaration also reiterated support for efforts to establish a West Asian zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, including through implementation of relevant UN resolutions and the conference convened under UN General Assembly Decision 73/546.
BRICS leaders urged all invited parties to participate in the conference in good faith and contribute constructively to the process. They also took note of UN General Assembly Resolution 79/241 on a comprehensive study of nuclear-weapon-free zones and welcomed the consensus-based conclusion of the study.
The declaration comes against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, prolonged conflicts and increasing competition among major powers. By placing diplomacy, preventive action, multilateralism and arms control at the centre of its security message, the BRICS grouping sought to project itself as a platform for dialogue and collective responses to emerging global security challenges.
