BRICS: India Joins Global South in Asserting Sovereignty, Peace and Justice

At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, India stood in alignment with fellow Global South nations in issuing one of the bloc’s strongest joint declarations yet—championing international law, condemning unilateral military actions, and calling for inclusive global governance rooted in peace, dignity, and development.

The Rio Declaration, adopted on July 7, reflects a shared urgency to reset the moral and geopolitical compass of the international order. India, a founding BRICS member, played a key role in shaping a consensus that echoes the priorities of over two-thirds of humanity: sovereignty, justice, ceasefire, and self-determination.

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The declaration firmly condemned military strikes on Iran since June 13, calling them violations of the UN Charter and international law. Expressing deep concern over the risk of escalation in the Middle East, it warned against attacks on civilian infrastructure and safeguarded nuclear facilities. 

India, echoing the BRICS voice, stressed the need for restraint and diplomacy and called on the United Nations Security Council to act with urgency.

On the war in Ukraine, BRICS acknowledged each member’s national positions expressed in the UN General Assembly and Security Council. India welcomed peace efforts such as the African Peace Initiative and other diplomatic channels, and restated its longstanding belief in dialogue and multipolar negotiation.

The statement issued a clear and categorical condemnation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces. 

Reaffirming Palestine’s right to self-determination, India joined BRICS in demanding unimpeded humanitarian access, the release of hostages, and respect for international law. 

The declaration strongly supported the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), welcomed an upcoming pledging conference in Cairo, and reaffirmed the vision of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on 1967 borders.

In parallel, BRICS welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon and called on all parties to adhere to the terms of UNSC Resolution 1701. It urged Israel to vacate remaining occupied Lebanese territories and reiterated support for Lebanon’s sovereignty.

The declaration reaffirmed support for Syria’s sovereignty and unity, condemned ongoing terrorist attacks—including those in Rif Dimashq and at Mar Elias Church—and called for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Syrian territories. 

It also welcomed the lifting of unilateral sanctions on Syria as a step toward recovery and peacebuilding.

In line with India’s longstanding development partnerships across Africa, BRICS reiterated its support for “African solutions to African problems.” The bloc expressed deep concern over humanitarian crises in Sudan, the Great Lakes region, and the Horn of Africa. BRICS called for political dialogue, urgent ceasefires, and increased humanitarian aid.

India joined its BRICS partners in highlighting the worsening crisis in Haiti, underscoring that stability must emerge from a Haitian-led, inclusive political process, with strong international support for dismantling criminal gangs and rebuilding institutions.

The Rio Declaration issued an unambiguous denunciation of terrorism, and specifically mentioned the brutal April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 innocent people. Calling for zero tolerance, it urged concerted global action to hold perpetrators and supporters accountable. 

India renewed its BRICS commitment to counterterrorism, especially in rejecting double standards and strengthening multilateral coordination through the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group.

The declaration also condemned recent attacks on civilian infrastructure in Russia, and emphasized that all forms of terrorism—regardless of motive—must be treated as crimes against humanity.

Reaffirming its commitment to global financial integrity, India backed BRICS efforts to curb illicit financial flows, corruption, and cybercrime. The declaration stressed the urgency of technical assistance and capacity-building for developing countries and supported cooperative frameworks to counter the misuse of digital technologies, including cryptocurrency, for terrorism financing.

The summit concluded with a strong affirmation of the BRICS spirit of reform and resilience. India welcomed the full support of members for its upcoming BRICS Chairship in 2026 and the hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit on its soil. 

For India, the Rio Declaration reflects a shared mandate for action that is anchored in inclusion, equity, and the rising voice of the Global South.