Leaders of the BRICS grouping have called for “maximum restraint” over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, overcoming divisions within the bloc to issue a joint statement at their summit in New Delhi, India.
The statement was issued Saturday after intense diplomatic efforts by host India. It expressed deep concern over the continuing escalation of tensions in the Middle East and urged countries to avoid actions that could further aggravate the situation.
“We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East/West Asia,” the statement said, adding that member countries “call for exercising maximum restraint, as well as avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who joined Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders at the summit, said the war did not serve the common interests of the international community.
The BRICS foreign ministers had failed to agree on a joint statement when they met in New Delhi in May, amid divisions among Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the conflict, which began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28.
The leaders’ statement also condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities, and stressed the need to maintain the safety and security of nuclear facilities during armed conflicts.
The summit comes as BRICS seeks to strengthen its global influence while addressing conflict, trade disruptions and energy security.
BRICS was created in 2009 as a forum for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in international institutions dominated by Western powers.
Opening the two-day summit, Modi told Xi, Putin, Pezeshkian and other leaders that the bloc needed to turn its collective strength into a platform for cooperation.
“We have to transform this pyramid of privilege into a platform of partnership,” Modi said.
He said BRICS countries represented about 50% of the world’s population, 40% of global gross domestic product and more than 25% of global trade.
### India Balances Regional Relationships
India’s role as host has required delicate diplomacy, as New Delhi maintains relations with both Iran and U.S. ally Israel while also managing its ties with Washington.
Pezeshkian attended the summit after warning that the Middle East did not need the United States to act as a “regional policeman.”
The Iranian president also met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the summit, in a high-level engagement between Iran and the United Arab Emirates amid the regional conflict.
India has also turned to Russia in responding to the energy crisis caused by the U.S.-Iran war, despite Moscow’s war in Ukraine and pressure from Washington and other Western capitals.
Modi embraced Putin before talks on Friday, highlighting the importance of Russia as one of India’s key strategic partners.
### Xi, Modi Seek To Improve China-India Ties
Xi’s participation at the summit was closely watched because it marked his first visit to neighbouring India since 2019 and represented the latest step in a cautious improvement in relations between the two nuclear-armed countries.
Xi received a red-carpet welcome, including an honour guard and traditional dancers.
During a meeting with Modi, Xi said China and India could complement each other’s strengths and work together despite their differences.
“Although our two countries are different in many respects, they are fully capable of complementing each other’s strengths, supporting one another, achieving mutual success and advancing together,” Xi said.
The visit comes years after a deadly military clash along the disputed border between China and India. Relations have gradually improved through the restoration of flights, visas and high-level contacts, although the territorial dispute remains unresolved.
Both countries continue to maintain heavy military deployments along their roughly 3,500-kilometre high-altitude border.
India’s Foreign Ministry said the two leaders expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question.
Modi also stressed the need for both sides to observe existing agreements and understandings on border-related issues.
Xi called for greater financial cooperation, a more equal and sustainable global order, and economic globalisation that is open and inclusive.
The summit also drew protests from dozens of Tibetans in New Delhi, who opposed Xi’s visit and waved placards criticising China’s policies toward Tibet.
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