BRICS countries have backed greater cooperation on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and low-carbon aviation fuels while advancing new frameworks for transport decarbonisation, urban mobility and logistics cooperation.
The commitments were included in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026, adopted during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13. The declaration links transport cooperation with broader objectives around sustainable development, resilient infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
The transport measures include support for a BRICS Forum on Sustainable Aviation Fuels, a framework for exchanging knowledge on transport decarbonisation and the establishment of a BRICS Urban Mobility Hub. The declaration also welcomed a logistics supply-chain cooperation framework and encouraged further discussion on a proposed BRICS Railway Research Network.
BRICS puts SAF on the transport cooperation agenda
The declaration specifically recognises sustainable aviation fuels and low-carbon aviation fuels as tools for reducing carbon emissions from international aviation.
The commitment places SAF within a wider BRICS transport cooperation agenda covering policy, investment, technology and capacity building. Member countries said these areas would help develop sustainable and resilient transport infrastructure while recognising the importance of transport to economic growth, connectivity and environmental sustainability.
The proposed BRICS Forum on Sustainable Aviation Fuels could provide a platform for member countries to exchange knowledge and coordinate on issues associated with SAF development. However, the declaration does not set out specific production targets, investment commitments or timelines for SAF deployment.
For the aviation sector, the significance of the declaration therefore lies primarily in establishing a multilateral framework for cooperation rather than announcing a specific SAF programme.
Transport decarbonisation and renewable energy
BRICS members also welcomed a framework for cooperation on exchanging knowledge related to transport decarbonisation.
The declaration calls for this cooperation to leverage the renewable energy potential of BRICS countries, connecting transport decarbonisation with the wider expansion of clean energy. It also highlights the importance of incorporating circular economy principles into the development and maintenance of transport infrastructure.
This approach broadens the role of renewable energy in the transport transition beyond individual fuels or technologies. For countries with significant renewable energy resources, closer knowledge-sharing could support the development of lower-carbon transport systems while allowing national priorities and circumstances to shape implementation.
The declaration also reaffirmed the importance of transport policy, investment, technological cooperation and capacity building.
Urban mobility and logistics frameworks
Alongside aviation, BRICS is seeking deeper cooperation in urban transport.
The BRICS Urban Mobility Hub is intended to support knowledge exchange and cooperation around accessible, affordable, inclusive and smart urban transport solutions. The declaration also welcomed the outcomes of the BRICS Urbanisation Forum and highlighted cooperation on sustainable mobility and other urban services.
In logistics, BRICS welcomed the establishment of a Logistics Supply-Chain Cooperation Framework with the intention to strengthen cooperation across transport and supply-chain systems as the grouping seeks more resilient and efficient connectivity.
The declaration further encouraged discussion on the proposal for a BRICS Railway Research Network, adding rail research and knowledge-sharing to the grouping’s growing transport agenda.
Broader cooperation across the transport sector
The transport commitments form part of a broader BRICS effort to strengthen infrastructure cooperation among member countries.
The declaration welcomed further transport dialogue, including in civil aviation, while emphasising cooperation that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states. It also reaffirmed the importance of developing sustainable and resilient transport infrastructure.
For the SAF industry, the inclusion of aviation fuels alongside urban mobility, logistics and rail research indicates that BRICS is treating transport decarbonisation as a multi-sector issue rather than a standalone aviation initiative.
Implementation will determine impact
The New Delhi Declaration provides political backing for deeper cooperation on sustainable transport, but the next stage will be implementation.
The proposed SAF forum, transport decarbonisation framework, Urban Mobility Hub and logistics framework could create channels for sharing technology, policy experience and project knowledge across BRICS countries. The proposed Railway Research Network could similarly extend cooperation into rail transport.
For the aviation sector, the immediate outcome is a stronger multilateral endorsement of SAF and low-carbon aviation fuels. Turning that commitment into measurable emissions reductions will require individual countries and industry participants to develop concrete projects, investment structures, supply chains and policy mechanisms.
Bioenergy Business Analysis
The BRICS commitment to promote SAF and low-carbon aviation fuels provides a new multilateral platform for cooperation among major emerging economies, many of which have substantial renewable energy, agricultural and industrial resources that could contribute to future low-carbon fuel value chains.
However, the declaration remains a framework for cooperation rather than a binding SAF deployment plan. It does not establish collective production volumes, financing mechanisms, blending mandates or individual country targets. The practical impact will depend on whether the proposed SAF forum translates knowledge exchange into project development, technology cooperation, investment and compatible policy frameworks.
The wider transport agenda could nevertheless be significant for renewable fuels and infrastructure. Linking SAF with renewable energy cooperation, circular economy principles, logistics and urban mobility creates opportunities for BRICS members to address transport emissions across several segments while developing domestic clean-energy industries.
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