During a two-day meeting held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, senior officials from BRICS countries reached a consensus on a Joint Declaration aimed at bolstering Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. This initiative, under India's BRICS Chairship for 2026, focuses on enhancing capacity building in mediation and arbitration, making legal processes more accessible and efficient. The Joint Declaration, titled 'Declaration of the Ministers of Justice of the BRICS Countries on Strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution through Capacity Building in Mediation and Arbitration,' will be presented for formal adoption at the upcoming BRICS Justice Ministers' Meeting on May 21-22, 2026.

The discussions encompassed various ADR-related issues, including the role of mediation and arbitration in addressing commercial and public-sector disputes. The BRICS nations aim to share best practices, strengthen institutional capacities, and explore collaborative initiatives, such as training programs and digital dispute-resolution platforms. The meetings reflect a collective commitment to building resilient legal ecosystems and improving the overall efficiency of dispute resolution across member states.