PM Modi launches stamps marking 20 years of grouping
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched two postage stamps commemorating 20 years of BRICS at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.In a significant diplomatic breakthrough for India, the Brics grouping on Saturday adopted a joint declaration by consensus, overcoming differences between Iran and the UAE over the West Asia conflict following a series of back-channel negotiations.Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the declaration at the end of the opening day’s deliberations of the two-day India-hosted summit.Negotiations over the text went down to the wire, with Iran and the UAE initially taking firm positions. Brics is a consensus-based grouping, meaning any one member can block the adoption of a final joint declaration.PM Modi was seen shaking hands with Chinese president Xi Jinping at the conclusion of the inaugural session of the Brics Summit.“Today’s discussion makes it evident that the changing world cannot be steered by outdated institutions; reforms are essential in representation, responsiveness and rule-making,” PM Modi said in his concluding remarks.At the summit, PM Modi also announced the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026.
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According to Reuters, the joint declaration stressed the need for conflict prevention efforts, including by addressing the root causes of conflicts. It reaffirmed the Brics nations’ commitment to resolving international disputes peacefully through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.The declaration called for a multilateral approach that respects diverse national viewpoints and positions on key global issues. It also expressed serious concern over the increasing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, saying they distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules.