How to Build Consensus with Ambiguity

Countries

Cooperation areas

Source: The Financial Express | Original Published At: 2026-09-14 14:58:02 UTC

The New Delhi Declaration from the 18th BRICS Summit devotes significant attention to wars, sanctions, terrorism, nuclear risks, territorial disputes, and humanitarian crises.
The declaration uses deliberate ambiguity to maintain consensus among BRICS members with different strategic relationships and interests.
It condemns unilateral economic and secondary sanctions not authorized by the UN Security Council and expresses concern over the tightening blockade against Cuba.
On Gaza, it supports Palestinian statehood and full UN membership, condemns attacks on civilians and obstruction of humanitarian aid, and notes South Africa's ICJ case against Israel.
The declaration strongly condemns the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir and calls for action against cross-border terrorism, financing, and safe havens.
It defends South Africa's position as a founding and full member of the G20 and rejects arbitrary revision of G20 membership.
The Russia-Ukraine war is not named, with the declaration instead using general language on sovereignty and peaceful resolution through dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy.