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At the opening day of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, member nations collectively issued a joint declaration expressing “deep concern” over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The statement called for maximum restraint and emphasized a “multilateral approach” that respects the diverse perspectives of all countries involved.
This declaration comes amid renewed clashes between the U.S. and Iran after a relative lull throughout August. The BRICS coalition, which includes both Iran and the United Arab Emirates-countries with differing alliances-faced a complex challenge in achieving consensus on this joint statement, especially for host nation India.
The ‘New Delhi Declaration’ urged all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions further, underscoring the bloc’s commitment to resolving international disputes through dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy.
Beyond geopolitical concerns, the declaration also highlighted worries about the increasing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that disrupt global trade. This issue is particularly salient given the ongoing U.S. sanctions targeting Iran amid its regional conflict and Russia in relation to its war with Ukraine.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the summit, called on BRICS to assume a peacemaking role in the Middle East crisis. Xi emphasized that the conflict undermines the shared interests of the international community, expressing China’s willingness to collaborate with fellow BRICS members to promote peace and stability.
The BRICS group, originally formed in 2009 and now expanded to include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, represents over 40% of the world’s population and nearly a quarter of the global economy. Xi described the bloc as a “leading group” in the Global South and a model for self-reliant, innovation-driven development among emerging and developing nations.
This summit marks Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first visit to India in seven years, signaling a cautious thaw in ties following the deadly 2020 border clash in the Himalayas between the two Asian neighbors. The encounter resulted in casualties on both sides and significantly strained relations.
Ahead of their scheduled meeting on Saturday evening-the third in three years-a spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry expressed willingness to foster a strategic, long-term partnership with India. The spokesperson highlighted the importance of managing differences constructively and building a relationship based on mutual support, friendship, and neighborhood cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping’s meeting at the summit reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize and enhance bilateral relations amid broader regional and global challenges.