BRICS Parliamentary Forum: New Delhi Joint Declaration Demands UN Reform & Zero Tolerance for Terror
BRICS nations call for UN reform, condemn terrorism, and support a two-state solution in the New Delhi Joint Declaration.
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi has concluded with a powerful collective voice, resulting in the adoption of the New Delhi Joint Declaration. Under the theme "Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development," legislative leaders from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates gathered to chart a new course for global governance and security.
A Call to Overhaul the United Nations
Central to the declaration is a pressing demand for the reform of the current international peace and security architecture. The member parliaments have stressed that the United Nations, and specifically the Security Council, requires a comprehensive overhaul to become more democratic, equitable, and representative.
The forum emphasized that global governance must better reflect the voice of the Global South. By promoting a multilateral system that is more agile and accountable, the BRICS nations aim to move toward a world order where legitimacy is based on inclusive representation rather than outdated structures.
Zero Tolerance for Terrorism
In a stern move against global instability, the declaration strongly condemned all acts of terrorism, labeling them as criminal and unjustifiable. The forum explicitly rejected the use of "double standards" when dealing with terror threats.
The delegates specifically condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the Pakistan-backed terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people and left many others injured.
To combat these threats, the forum called for:
- The swift finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.
- Concerted global action against all UN-designated terrorists and entities.
- Strict adherence to international law and human rights while conducting counter-terrorism operations.
Economic Pressures and Global Conflicts
The New Delhi Joint Declaration also took aim at "unilateral coercive measures" that contradict international law. The forum noted that secondary sanctions and unilateral economic pressures have devastating effects on food security, public health, human rights, and the general right to development.
Tensions in the Middle East
Turning to geopolitical hotspots, the forum expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia/Middle East. The delegates urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid aggravating the situation and called for the protection of civilians and infrastructure as mandated by the UN Charter.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the BRICS parliaments reaffirmed their unwavering support for a two-state solution. They asserted the Palestinian right to self-determination and the creation of an independent, sovereign state where both nations can coexist in peace and security.
Looking Ahead: India's 2026 Chairship
The forum concluded by welcoming partner countries and expressing full support for India’s upcoming 2026 BRICS Chairship. The theme for the 2026 tenure will be "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."
Legislative representatives congratulated India on its successful hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit (held September 12-13, 2026) and pledged their support to strengthen the BRICS Strategic Partnership across financial, political, cultural, and security pillars based on mutual respect and consensus.