BRICS New Delhi Summit Closes, India-South Africa Critical Minerals and Poland-Ukraine Security Talks

The 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi on September 13 after two days of leaders’ meetings. The New Delhi Declaration set priorities across political and security cooperation, economic and financial coordination, sustainable development, reform of multilateral institutions and deeper engagement with BRICS partner countries.

The declaration supported continued reform of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the international financial architecture, called for a stronger voice for developing countries and confirmed full support for China’s BRICS chairship in 2027 and the 19th BRICS Summit in China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on September 13 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The two leaders reviewed the India-South Africa Strategic Partnership and agreed to maintain close coordination in multilateral forums.

India’s official account identified the India-SACU trade agreement, mining and critical minerals, infrastructure, food security and digital technologies among the areas reviewed. The meeting also took place as both countries considered how their bilateral agenda fits within wider BRICS cooperation.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski concluded a September 11-13 visit to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and took part in the Yalta European Strategy conference on Ukraine’s security and Europe’s role in ending the war.

Poland’s foreign ministry said the visit coincided with Russian attacks on western Ukraine, including strikes affecting a Kyiv-Warsaw passenger locomotive, infrastructure near the Dorohusk border crossing and one of Poland’s largest foreign investments in Ukraine. Sikorski called for continued support for Ukraine, sanctions and stronger NATO defence capabilities, while also discussing Ukraine’s EU accession and economic issues.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah held a telephone conversation on September 13 focused on bilateral cooperation and regional developments.

Qatar’s official account said the ministers discussed diplomatic efforts and joint coordination aimed at reducing tensions and strengthening regional security. Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s support for diplomatic efforts seeking a solution that ensures freedom of navigation and a comprehensive agreement for sustainable peace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Évariste Ndayishimiye, Chairperson of the African Union and President of Burundi, on September 13 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

The two leaders described the India-African Union relationship as a key pillar of Global South cooperation and discussed convening the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit at a mutually convenient date. They also reviewed India-Burundi cooperation in economic development, agriculture, healthcare and capacity building.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 13 during the BRICS Summit, with the Philippines participating as ASEAN chair.

The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation under the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership in defence and security, trade and investment, space, railway infrastructure, fintech, education, tourism, science and technology and innovation. India also welcomed the Philippines’ decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.