‘Fossil fuels will still play important role’: BRICS Declaration opposes carbon border tax

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi concluded with a joint declaration that explicitly recognised the continued importance of fossil fuels for emerging markets and developing countries, while condemning the European Union’s carbon‑border tax as unilateral and protectionist. The statement was issued by the BRICS bloc – China, India, Indonesia, Russia and Brazil – and reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement and to a just, orderly energy transition.

The declaration highlighted that China, India, Indonesia and Russia rank among the five largest coal consumers worldwide, with the United States being the only non‑BRICS nation in that group. It also referenced the recent Nepal flash floods and welcomed guidelines for Disaster Management Early Warning Data Integration. Additionally, the document noted India’s role in establishing the International Big Cat Alliance, now headquartered in New Delhi, to protect seven wild‑cat species.

By framing energy security as essential for social and economic development, the BRICS leaders called on developed countries to deliver additional, predictable, and accessible financial resources and technology transfers for climate adaptation. They stressed the need for critical minerals to support low‑emission technologies and warned that punitive trade measures could undermine the climate efforts of developing nations, potentially reshaping international climate and trade negotiations.