The BRICS grouping has put energy security higher on its strategic agenda as disruptions to international energy routes and continuing geopolitical tensions create new uncertainty for global oil and gas markets.
The issue was highlighted during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, where leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration and called for stronger cooperation to improve the resilience of energy supply chains. The discussions came against the backdrop of continuing instability in West Asia, which has placed additional pressure on global energy flows and raised concerns among major importers.
For BRICS economies, the situation carries significant economic implications. Several members are among the world’s largest energy producers and consumers, giving the grouping a potentially important role in discussions surrounding energy markets, supply security and infrastructure. The current disruption has also demonstrated how quickly regional conflicts can affect fuel availability, transportation costs and inflation far beyond the immediate conflict zone.
The New Delhi Declaration emphasized the importance of stable energy supplies and greater cooperation among BRICS countries. Rather than treating energy security solely as an oil-market issue, the bloc’s broader approach links energy with resilient supply chains, economic stability and long-term development.
India’s leadership of BRICS in 2026 has brought particular attention to the vulnerability of developing economies to external energy shocks. India remains heavily dependent on imported crude oil, making predictable supplies and diversified sources of energy strategically important for maintaining economic growth.
The disruption of major maritime energy routes has further highlighted the importance of secure shipping corridors. Any prolonged interruption can affect crude oil, natural gas and other energy commodities, creating higher costs for industries and consumers. BRICS countries therefore have an interest in strengthening cooperation across energy-producing and energy-consuming economies.
The summit also reflected a wider effort to improve economic resilience within the expanded BRICS grouping. Leaders discussed strengthening trade, supply chains and financial cooperation, while the declaration supported efforts to make international economic systems more representative and resilient.
Energy cooperation could become an increasingly important area of practical engagement between BRICS members. Greater coordination could support diversification of suppliers, development of energy infrastructure, cooperation in new technologies and improved access to critical resources required for the energy transition.
The bloc’s position also comes at a time when global energy markets are facing a combination of geopolitical risks and structural changes. Alongside oil and gas security, access to critical minerals has emerged as an important concern because these resources are essential for batteries, renewable energy systems and other advanced technologies.
For India, the BRICS energy agenda provides an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with both energy producers and major emerging economies. Greater cooperation could help reduce exposure to individual supply routes while supporting India’s broader objective of maintaining stable and affordable energy supplies.
However, the effectiveness of the BRICS energy push will depend on how far member countries can translate political commitments into practical cooperation. The group includes countries with different energy requirements, economic structures and geopolitical interests, meaning consensus on specific mechanisms could remain challenging.
The New Delhi summit nevertheless sends a clear signal that energy security is becoming an important part of the BRICS economic and strategic agenda. With global energy markets remaining vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions, the grouping is seeking stronger cooperation to protect supply chains and limit the economic impact of future shocks.