Iran Highlights BRICS Delhi Declaration Alignment with Its Diplomatic Priorities

Iranian diplomatic officials have stated that the Delhi Declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the 18th BRICS Summit, formally incorporates key elements of Tehran's longstanding foreign policy positions. According to reports from the WANA News Agency, the final document reflects a growing consensus among emerging economies regarding issues that have previously been central to Iran's diplomatic engagements, including the legality of nuclear safeguards and the impact of unilateral economic measures.

The declaration, reviewed by senior Iranian representatives, addresses several contentious global issues, from the protection of civilian infrastructure to the reform of international financial systems. By embedding these topics in an official multilateral framework, the document signals a shift in how BRICS members collectively approach international law and economic sovereignty, moving away from traditional Western-led diplomatic norms.

Condemnation of attacks on nuclear facilities

A central provision of the Delhi Declaration expresses serious concern over deliberate attacks against civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities that are under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iranian officials noted that this inclusion represents a significant diplomatic victory, as it aligns with Tehran's consistent argument that such actions violate international law and existing IAEA resolutions. The statement suggests that the BRICS bloc is increasingly willing to articulate a unified stance on the protection of state sovereignty in the context of nuclear energy.

Opposition to unilateral coercive economic measures

The summit's final document explicitly condemns the imposition of unilateral coercive measures, including economic and secondary sanctions, describing them as contrary to international law. Officials highlighted that the declaration emphasizes the damaging effects of these measures on the human rights of targeted populations, specifically citing impacts on development, health, and food security. This language effectively delegitimizes the use of sanctions as a standard diplomatic tool, reflecting a broader push within the BRICS framework to challenge the economic leverage held by Western nations.

Expansion of independent financial infrastructure

Beyond political statements, the Delhi Declaration outlines concrete steps toward greater financial independence for member states. The document calls for the continued work of the BRICS Payments Task Force to facilitate faster and more secure cross-border settlements, as well as the expansion of the New Development Bank's role in local currency financing. These measures are designed to reduce reliance on the US dollar and the SWIFT system, providing a practical alternative for international trade and strengthening the economic resilience of the Global South.