Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has lauded the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th BRICS Summit, viewing it as a milestone that highlights India's influential role in building a balanced and progressive global environment. In his public remarks, Sarma expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance during India’s term as the BRICS chair, which facilitated the consensus on this comprehensive international document.
A key highlight of the declaration, according to the Chief Minister, is its formal acknowledgement of the Guwahati Declaration, an anti-drug framework established earlier this year in Assam. For a state like Assam, which is geographically positioned near major international drug trafficking routes, this inclusion is both strategically vital and symbolic. It represents a coordinated effort to address the illegal narcotics trade that threatens the region's stability and security.
A Vision for Inclusive Global Governance
Sarma pointed out that the New Delhi Declaration stands as a testament to the success of India's leadership, reflecting a broad consensus on numerous critical global matters. He observed that the final document covers an extensive array of issues where member states found common ground, showing that India can bring diverse international powers together. The Chief Minister remarked, "This document exemplifies the pragmatic, inclusive and forward-looking leadership that Indian foreign policy brings to an evolving global order."
The 45-page document serves as a comprehensive roadmap, addressing pressing challenges faced by both developed nations and developing countries, often referred to as the Global South. The consensus reached spans several sectors, including the reform of multilateral institutions, counter-terrorism initiatives, and deeper collaboration in cutting-edge technology. Additionally, agricultural development and animal conservation efforts were integrated into the joint declaration, demonstrating the wide scope of India's presidency.
Guwahati Anti-Drug Framework Receives Global Nod
The inclusion of the Guwahati Declaration in the international text is a major milestone for Assam's regional security efforts. This anti-narcotics framework was initially formulated during a meeting of the heads of BRICS anti-drug agencies, which took place in Guwahati on July 6 and July 7. Sarma took to social media to highlight this achievement, noting that the global platform had officially recognized the regional efforts.
In a post on X, Sarma stated that the BRICS Declaration has formally recognized the Guwahati Declaration as a key step toward strengthening operational and technical cooperation against narcotics. He characterized this development as an extremely symbolic and powerful move, given Assam’s vulnerability to cross-border drug trafficking networks.
The Guwahati framework outlines a cooperative strategy, calling on member countries to improve the speed and quality of information sharing. It emphasizes the exchange of real-time intelligence and operational best practices among law enforcement agencies, ensuring these measures remain aligned with national laws and international commitments. Furthermore, the framework champions the integration of modern digital tools, data-driven methodologies, and emerging technologies to disrupt smuggling syndicates and bolster regulatory actions.
India's BRICS Presidency in 2026
As the host nation for BRICS in 2026, India has organized the summit under the theme of 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. This theme reflects the nation's focus on driving long-term stability and technological advancement across the bloc. The BRICS grouping has expanded significantly over the years and now includes eight member nations: Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. Through this summit, India has sought to solidify its position as a key diplomatic bridge between different global interests.
