BRICS Leaders Join PM Modi for Tree Plantation in Delhi

Modi's Closing Remarks on the Declaration

In his closing remarks at the governance session, PM Modi framed the newly adopted declaration as a call to action rather than a symbolic conclusion. "The New Delhi Declaration adopted today gives clear direction to our shared resolve. Now it is our responsibility to convert these resolutions into concrete results," he said, placing emphasis on implementation over rhetorical agreement.

Why This Framing Matters

Modi's insistence on turning resolutions into "concrete results" reflects a recurring challenge for large multilateral groupings like BRICS, translating consensus-based declarations, often the product of extensive diplomatic negotiation among diverse member states, into measurable policy outcomes. By explicitly naming this as a shared responsibility in his closing remarks, Modi appeared to be setting an expectation for accountability among BRICS members going into the period following this year's summit.

A Broader Reflection on Global Institutions

PM Modi also used his remarks to reflect on the substance of the day's discussions, describing them as encompassing both regional and global issues alongside priorities for deepening BRICS cooperation. He characterised the exchange between leaders as "meaningful and constructive," while making a broader observation about the inadequacy of existing global institutions. "Our meeting today was very meaningful and constructive. Our diversity of views as well as our shared commitment to BRICS cooperation has also come out clearly. It is clear from today's discussion that the changing world cannot be managed by old institutions. Improvement is required in all three, representation, responsiveness and rule making," he said, directly echoing the reform framework he had outlined earlier in the day's proceedings.

A Continued Emphasis on the Global South

Modi reiterated a theme that has run through his broader BRICS messaging this year, the need for the Global South to have an equal role in shaping the rules governing emerging technologies. "We also emphasised that Global South must have equal participation in the making of future technology and their rules," he said, reinforcing a policy thread connecting this closing statement to his earlier proposal for a BRICS reform roadmap centred on representation, responsiveness and rule-making.

The Grouping's Current Composition

BRICS currently comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates as full members, with Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam participating as partner countries, reflecting the bloc's substantial expansion since its founding.

India's Recurring Leadership Role

As a founding member of BRICS, India has now held the grouping's chairship four times, previously in 2012, 2016 and 2021, and again from January 1 this year. With 2026 also marking 20 years since BRICS's establishment, Saturday's combination of a formal declaration, a symbolic tree plantation and commemorative postage stamps reflected an effort to mark both the substantive and ceremonial dimensions of this milestone anniversary simultaneously.

Also Read: PM Modi Pitches 10-Point BRICS Reform Roadmap