Introduction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took centre stage alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the high-profile BRICS family photograph on Day 2 of the summit in New Delhi. The symbolic moment came as leaders of the expanded 11-member BRICS grouping overcame earlier differences and unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026.

The summit also produced a joint call for restraint amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, while the bloc addressed terrorism, global trade, sanctions, financial crime and international cooperation.

PM Modi Stands Between Major BRICS Leaders

The family photograph brought together leaders from across the 11-member BRICS grouping, with PM Modi positioned prominently in the centre and flanked by key global leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.

The photograph offered a powerful visual representation of the bloc's growing geopolitical significance. India, Russia and China remain among the group's most influential members, while the expanded BRICS framework now includes several major economies and energy-producing countries.

Beyond the symbolism, the gathering came against a backdrop of major geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and concerns over energy security.

BRICS Leaders Call for Calm in Middle East

A key outcome of the summit was the joint statement calling for restraint amid the continuing escalation of tensions in the Middle East and West Asia.

The leaders expressed deep concern over the worsening situation and urged countries to avoid actions that could further intensify the conflict.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told the summit that the ongoing Middle East war does not serve the common interests of the international community.

The consensus was significant because BRICS foreign ministers had previously failed to agree on a joint statement during their May meeting in New Delhi. Differences among members, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, had complicated efforts to reach common ground over the conflict.

India Plays Key Role in Reaching Consensus

As the 2026 BRICS chair, India played a central diplomatic role in bringing members together around the New Delhi Declaration.

Prime Minister Modi announced the adoption of the document after leaders reached consensus.

"No member has raised any objection. The New Delhi Declaration 2026 is adopted unanimously," Modi said while announcing the outcome.

India's BRICS 2026 presidency is being conducted under the overarching theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

The summit focused on strengthening cooperation across political and security affairs, economic and financial matters, as well as cultural and people-to-people ties.

Iran's President Attends BRICS Summit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was among the prominent leaders attending the summit in New Delhi.

His participation came at a particularly sensitive time, with tensions in the Middle East affecting regional security and raising concerns over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Pezeshkian also held meetings on the sidelines of the summit, including discussions with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The participation of Iran, along with other major regional powers, added further importance to BRICS discussions on conflict resolution, energy security and regional stability.

Strong Message Against Terrorism

The New Delhi Declaration also delivered a strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

BRICS leaders reaffirmed their opposition to cross-border terrorist activities, terrorist financing networks and safe havens for terrorists.

The declaration specifically censured the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism.

The bloc also reiterated its support for zero tolerance, accountability and faster progress toward the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

BRICS members reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, including terrorist movement across borders, terror financing and the existence of terrorist safe havens.

BRICS Targets Financial Crime and Illegal Trade

Financial crime and transnational organised crime were also highlighted during the summit.

The declaration expressed concern over illicit financial flows associated with narcotics offences, firearms trafficking, terrorism financing and organised crime.

Member countries called for stronger cross-border cooperation to identify and disrupt illegal financial networks.

The emphasis reflects BRICS' broader attempt to deepen cooperation beyond traditional economic issues and address security challenges affecting its members.

BRICS Raises Concerns Over Tariffs

Global trade tensions were another major issue addressed by the bloc.

The New Delhi Declaration criticised the growing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, arguing that such policies can distort international trade and conflict with World Trade Organization rules.

BRICS reaffirmed its support for a WTO-centred multilateral trading system.

The bloc also called for the restoration of a fully operational, two-tier and binding WTO dispute settlement mechanism, including the appointment of members to the Appellate Body.

Opposition to Unilateral Sanctions

The declaration also criticised unilateral coercive economic measures and secondary sanctions.

BRICS members argued that such measures can undermine international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The bloc called for the termination of unilateral coercive measures that it considers contrary to international law.

The position highlights one of BRICS' long-standing objectives: strengthening multilateral institutions and reducing dependence on systems dominated by individual major powers.

Why the BRICS Family Photo Matters

While a family photograph is primarily symbolic, the positioning of Modi alongside Putin, Xi Jinping and other leaders carries wider geopolitical significance.

The image came at a time when BRICS is seeking to increase its influence in global economic and political affairs. The expanded membership has also made the group more diverse, bringing together countries with different regional interests and foreign-policy priorities.

Reaching consensus despite disagreements over major international conflicts demonstrates the bloc's effort to present itself as a platform capable of collective diplomacy.

At the same time, the differences among members underline the challenge BRICS faces in maintaining a common position on highly sensitive geopolitical issues.

Key Highlights

• PM Modi appeared at the centre of the BRICS 2026 family photograph.
• Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping were positioned alongside the Indian Prime Minister.
• BRICS leaders unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026.
• The 11-member bloc called for maximum restraint amid Middle East tensions.
• India is chairing BRICS in 2026.
• BRICS strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
• The declaration addressed the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Members called for stronger cooperation against terror financing and organised crime.
• BRICS criticised unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort global trade.
• The bloc reaffirmed support for a WTO-centred multilateral trading system.
• Members criticised unilateral coercive measures and secondary sanctions.
• The summit highlighted cooperation on security, trade, finance, energy and regional stability.

Professional Disclaimer & Third-Party Reference

This article is based on the information provided in the source material and references standard third-party news reporting, publicly available statements and international affairs reporting. Political and geopolitical developments can evolve rapidly. Readers should verify significant developments through official BRICS, Indian government and other authoritative sources before relying on the information for publication or decision-making.

Conclusion

The BRICS 2026 summit in New Delhi delivered both a powerful diplomatic image and a significant policy statement. PM Modi's central position alongside Putin and Xi Jinping reflected India's prominent role in the expanded grouping, while the unanimous New Delhi Declaration showed an effort to build consensus on conflicts, terrorism, trade and global governance.