Summary: The New Delhi Declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit signals progress on customs cooperation and regulatory alignment, but its real test lies in whether it can deliver lower tariffs, fewer non-tariff barriers, and faster market access for exporters. This blog examines why India should pursue targeted tariff liberalisation and regulatory interoperability through the BRICS platform, and what a credible, phased trade architecture could look like, without compromising domestic industry or geopolitical balance.