BRICS Backs Global AI Rules and Faster Payments
The New Delhi declaration puts AI governance, digital infrastructure, cyber resilience and cross-border payments among the group’s priorities.
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BRICS leaders have agreed to deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence governance, digital public infrastructure and cross-border payments, placing emerging technologies alongside financial and institutional reform in the group’s New Delhi declaration.
The declaration was adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under India’s chairship. It sets priorities across economic, security and technology cooperation for the expanded grouping.
On AI, the countries said international cooperation would be needed to improve access to AI resources while addressing safety, security, reliability and inclusion. They also committed to implementing the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence.
The group also backed closer cooperation on digital public infrastructure, including a proposed repository where BRICS countries could share digital infrastructure approaches and test pilot projects. The declaration called for digital systems that remain secure, interoperable and aligned with national priorities.
Payments were another focus. The BRICS Payment Task Force will continue examining ways to make cross-border transactions faster, cheaper and more accessible, including work on interoperability between payment and messaging systems and the use of local currencies for trade and investment. The declaration said there would be no single model imposed across members.
Cybersecurity cooperation will also expand. BRICS countries backed annual cyber exercises for the financial sector and further work on AI, quantum computing and other emerging technologies through existing financial-security groups.
The declaration also supported stronger cooperation among startups and small businesses. Members welcomed the creation of a BRICS Incubator Network and agreed to further consider a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund.
Beyond technology, the leaders renewed calls for changes to global institutions including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organization. China and Russia reiterated support for India and Brazil seeking a greater role at the UN, including in the Security Council.
