BRICS Calls for Uninterrupted Global Trade, Energy and Supply Chains

BRICS member states have adopted a joint declaration calling for stronger cooperation to ensure the smooth flow of global trade, energy and supply chains amid rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions to international commerce.

The declaration was adopted on Saturday at the opening of the two-day BRICS summit in New Delhi, India, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the leaders attending the summit, alongside representatives from other member countries.

The BRICS countries expressed deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and tensions in the Middle East and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

The group also condemned deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure, particularly nuclear
facilities, warning that such actions could further destabilise the region and threaten international security.

On the Palestinian issue, BRICS reiterated its opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians and attempts to change the geography or demographic composition of occupied territories.

The bloc also called for an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza and reaffirmed its support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

It further backed full United Nations membership for Palestine.

The declaration also focused on international trade, financial cooperation and emerging technologies. Member states supported the expansion of non-Western cross-border payment systems and greater cooperation in artificial intelligence.

BRICS also opposed unilateral sanctions and tariffs, arguing that such measures could disrupt international trade, weaken supply chains and create additional economic pressure on developing countries.

The summit is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, which have disrupted energy markets, international shipping and supply chains.

The bloc’s call for stable energy flows comes as geopolitical tensions continue to threaten major trade and shipping routes, raising concerns over the availability and cost of energy in global markets.

On Friday, Modi held separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Discussions with Pezeshkian included freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime crews, while Modi and Putin agreed to deepen bilateral relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is making his first visit to India in seven years, said the continuing conflict in the Middle East was causing serious losses and did not serve the interests of the international community.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto are also attending the summit.

The United Arab Emirates is represented by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, while Brazil is represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on behalf of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

BRICS was established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa as a platform for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in global institutions.

The group has since expanded its membership, strengthening its economic and political reach while also facing internal differences over major international issues.

Iran and the UAE, both BRICS members, are currently on opposing sides of the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Egyptian President el-Sisi called for the stability and freedom of international navigation, warning that developments in the Middle East were having negative consequences for the global economy, trade, energy flows and supply chains.

The summit is expected to focus on trade, finance, technology, energy security, resilient supply chains and other issues affecting BRICS members and the wider Global South.

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