BRICS Chief Justices' Forum Commences in New Delhi

The BRICS Chief Justices' Forum has commenced in New Delhi, hosting Chief Justices, Presidents of Supreme Courts, and senior judicial figures from BRICS member states and partner countries. This three-day event runs from September 4 to 6, 2026, and aims to strengthen judicial cooperation among the nations involved.

Hosted by the Supreme Court of India, the gathering includes delegates from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside partner countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

On the inaugural day, Chief Justice Surya Kant met notable judicial leaders, including Igor Krasnov from Russia, Zhang Jun from China, and Boulos Gahmy Iskander Boulos from Egypt. The discussions centred around various initiatives to bolster judicial collaboration and bilateral relations. Among the proposals discussed were the establishment of memoranda of understanding for cooperative judicial efforts across member states.

A significant focus was placed on the use of mediation and arbitration for resolving commercial disputes. The leaders underscored the necessity of fostering a conducive environment for cross-border business, which they believe is essential for enhancing foreign investment confidence.

Another crucial topic addressed was the mutual recognition of judicial awards and decrees. This strategy aims to facilitate the enforcement of judicial decisions more effectively across different jurisdictions.

Additionally, participants explored opportunities for professional exchanges among judicial institutions, emphasising the importance of sharing best practices in legal affairs. Plans for future bilateral conferences on contemporary legal issues were also deliberated.

Modern technology and artificial intelligence were brought into the spotlight, with discussions centred on how these advancements can enhance judicial processes.

Chief Justice Surya Kant highlighted the judiciary’s role in fostering bilateral cooperation and strengthening international relations. He proposed the creation of a common platform for mediation and arbitration to manage commercial disputes more efficiently.

The forum continues to host bilateral meetings where judicial delegations from various countries engage further to discuss ongoing challenges and opportunities in their legal systems.