18th BRICS Summit: What Happened at the New Delhi Meeting?
The 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi on September 13, 2026, after two days of discussions on global conflicts, trade, economic cooperation, technology and the future of the Global South.
The summit was especially important for the UAE because Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the meeting and held talks with several world leaders.
One of the most closely watched meetings was between Sheikh Khaled and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The talks came amid serious tensions in the region.
UAE and Iran Discuss Regional Stability
The meeting between the UAE and Iranian leaders became one of the major developments of the summit.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations and regional stability as BRICS members sought a common position on the continuing conflict in West Asia.
After difficult negotiations, BRICS members agreed on a joint position calling for maximum restraint and urging countries to avoid actions that could further worsen tensions. The New Delhi Declaration did not assign responsibility for the conflict.
For the UAE, the discussions highlighted the importance of diplomacy and regional stability while maintaining its position on national sovereignty and security.
BRICS Adopts New Delhi Declaration
The summit ended with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, covering a wide range of political, economic and development issues. The declaration called for:
- Greater representation for developing countries in global institutions.
- Stronger cooperation among BRICS members.
- Peaceful settlement of international disputes.
- Greater use of dialogue and diplomacy to prevent conflicts.
- Opposition to protectionism and trade-restrictive measures.
- Increased cooperation in technology, innovation and sustainable development.
- Stronger participation of emerging and developing economies in global decision-making.
The declaration also highlighted concerns over rising tensions in West Asia and called for maximum restraint.
Focus on Trade, Technology and AI
Economic and technological cooperation was another major part of the summit. BRICS leaders discussed ways to strengthen trade, financial cooperation and innovation among member countries.
China also proposed initiatives to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, including a BRICS AI Open Source Zone.
The bloc also continued discussions around greater economic integration and cooperation in areas such as digital technology, energy, infrastructure and sustainable development.
What the 18th BRICS Summit Means for the UAE?
The summit gave the UAE another platform to engage with major economies and discuss regional and global issues.
The UAE is part of the expanded BRICS grouping alongside countries including China, India, Russia, Brazil, South Africa and Iran. Its participation provides opportunities for stronger cooperation in trade, investment, technology, energy and other sectors.
The summit also recognised the UAE’s role in international cooperation. The New Delhi Declaration highlighted the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi in December.
China to Host the Next BRICS Summit
India’s 2026 BRICS chairship concluded with the group handing the chairship to China for 2027. The next summit will therefore take place in China as BRICS enters another year of expansion and deeper cooperation among emerging economies.
Overall, the 18th BRICS Summit ended with a focus on diplomacy, economic cooperation and a stronger voice for developing countries. For the UAE, its participation and high-level engagement with Iran and other BRICS members made the New Delhi summit particularly significant.
