BRICS Summit 2026: Sanjay Seth hails success and a firm stand against terror

Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth stepped up to the microphone on Monday, his voice warm yet pointed, and declared the BRICS summit hosted by India a genuine success. He added that the gathering sent out a clear, loud message that terror would not be tolerated.

When asked about the mood of the summit, Seth immediately tipped his hat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the age‑old idea that the world is one family. “That is the kind of diplomacy we need today,” he said, a hint of admiration slipping into his tone, as if reminding us that even big‑room politics can be about family.

The crux, he noted, was the Delhi Declaration. All eleven BRICS members, without a single dissenting voice, condemned the brutal Pahalgam incident. “That unanimous stand is a big blow to terrorism,” Seth asserted, repeating the sentiment a couple of times – because when something matters, you say it twice.

He went on to point out that India’s presentation at the summit was “powerful and strong,” a description that lingered a little longer than usual, perhaps to let the point sink in. The impact, according to Seth, was tangible – a ripple that will be felt in the corridors of power across the member nations.

Indeed, heads of state from all BRICS countries were present, and, as Seth observed, they spoke in unison about peace, welfare, and the collective future of the world. It was, in his words, a reflection of India’s resolve to deepen cooperation among these emerging economies.

Beyond the group‑wide statements, the summit saw several high‑profile bilateral talks. Modi sat down with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iran’s President Masoud Peze shkian. Their conversations, as described by Seth, covered everything from regional conflicts and border peace to maritime security and the broader aspirations of the Global South.

Alongside these meetings, the New Delhi Declaration was adopted, flagging deep concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia. The text urged maximum restraint, called for the protection of civilians and infrastructure, and emphasized respect for sovereignty. It also reminded all parties that keeping global trade routes, supply chains, and energy flows smooth is not a luxury but a necessity, especially under international law.

Wrapping up, Seth reminded listeners that the summit’s true legacy will be its contribution to a more peaceful, development‑focused world. He left us with a simple, almost conversational thought: if we can see ourselves as one family, perhaps the world can finally start acting like one.