The BRICS New Delhi Declaration, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” adopted at the XVIII BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12 September 2026, reaffirms strong support for WTO reform and a rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and inclusive multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core.
The Declaration calls for greater BRICS coordination in WTO negotiations, implementation of MC14 outcomes, and reforms to strengthen the WTO’s effectiveness, inclusiveness and relevance. It supports integrating plurilateral initiatives into the WTO framework and restoring a fully functioning two-tier WTO dispute settlement system, including the appointment of new Appellate Body members.
It also stresses the need to work together to maintain the smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy, in accordance with applicable international law.
On customs cooperation, the BRICS acknowledge efforts to strengthen cooperation on Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes through the voluntary implementation of the BRICS AEO Action Plan 2026, including information exchange, capacity building, sharing of best practices and work towards mutual recognition, taking into account national frameworks and priorities. They also support developing the BRICS Joint Customs Enforcement Operation as an annual initiative, where appropriate, to improve operational coordination and address common and emerging customs threats.
The Declaration further supports Ethiopia and Iran’s WTO accession and welcomes China’s expansion of zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries. Overall, it emphasises revitalising the multilateral trading system, strengthening global trade and supply-chain resilience, enhancing customs cooperation, and promoting greater integration of the Global South.
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