BRICS leaders flag nuclear risks, condemn attacks on safeguarded atomic facilities
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration, voicing concern over nuclear dangers and attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities, while backing disarmament and nuclear-weapon-free zones.
Leaders of the BRICS grouping have raised alarm over what they described as deliberate strikes on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear installations operating under the full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, warning that such actions breach international law and relevant IAEA resolutions.
The concerns were set out in the New Delhi Declaration, adopted on the opening day of the two-day BRICS Summit hosted by India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the document at the close of the first day's proceedings, in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other leaders of the bloc.
The declaration, which does not single out any country, states that nuclear safeguards, safety and security must be upheld at all times, including during armed conflicts, so as to protect people and the environment from harm.
Reaching agreement on the joint text marked a diplomatic win for India, which steered the grouping past sharp differences between the United Arab Emirates and Tehran over the West Asia conflict. The final document avoided any direct reference to United States strikes on Iran or to Iranian military attacks on Gulf Arab states.
On the wider question of atomic weapons, the leaders voiced concern about the mounting risks of nuclear danger and conflict. They called for revitalising the system of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation, and for preserving its integrity and effectiveness in the pursuit of global stability and international peace and security.
The declaration also highlighted the role of nuclear-weapon-free zones in reinforcing the non-proliferation regime. The leaders reaffirmed their support for and respect towards all existing such zones and the associated assurances against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.
They further acknowledged efforts to speed up implementation of resolutions on establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, including the conference convened under UN General Assembly Decision 73/546. All invited parties were urged to take part in that conference in good faith and to engage constructively.
The leaders took note of the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 79/241 on a comprehensive study of the question of nuclear-weapon-free zones in all its aspects, as well as the successful conclusion of that study, which the group adopted by consensus.
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia joining in 2025. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam became partner countries last year.