The BRICS group of nations unanimously adopted a joint declaration in New Delhi calling for calm in the Middle East and the protection of global energy flows and supply chains, according to official summit reports. Hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two-day meeting brings together leaders including China’s President Xi Jinping, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian as the bloc addresses mounting geopolitical fractures and economic pressures.
Middle East Tensions and the BRICS Response
Saturday’s declaration voiced deep concern over escalating regional conflicts, urging maximum restraint and warning against attacks on civilian and nuclear infrastructure, as stated in the official communique. According to the text, the bloc expressed firm opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians and called for an end to Israeli violence in Gaza, alongside support for the UNRWA and full United Nations membership for Palestine. Chinese President Xi Jinping stated during the summit that the fighting does not serve the international community’s common interests, noting that the war has caused serious losses to people across the region, as reported by China’s Xinhua news agency.
Did you know? BRICS originally started as BRIC in 2006, founded by Brazil, Russia, India, and China as a forum for emerging economies before expanding to include additional member states.
Economic Pressures, Tariffs, and Cross-Border Payments
Beyond regional security, the wide-ranging declaration addresses the expansion of non-Western cross-border payment channels, artificial intelligence cooperation, and opposition to unilateral tariffs. Finance ministers and central bank governors within the bloc have objected to trade-distorting measures that run counter to World Trade Organization rules.
Pro Tip for Readers Tracking Global Trade
Diplomatic Alignments and Summit Attendance
The presidency of the 11-member bloc has shifted to New Delhi amid significant diplomatic maneuvering. President Xi arrived in the Indian capital for his first visit in seven years, meeting with Prime Minister Modi to thaw bilateral relations. On Friday, Modi held talks with President Putin to deepen ties and conferred with President Pezeshkian regarding freedom of navigation and crew safety in the Strait of Hormuz. Additional leaders in attendance include South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed, Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto, and UAE representative Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, while Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira stands in for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary focus of the BRICS summit in New Delhi?
According to the adopted joint declaration, the summit focused on calling for calm in the Middle East, maintaining smooth global trade and energy supply chains, expanding non-Western payment channels, and opposing unilateral tariffs.
Who attended the BRICS summit hosted by India?
Attendees included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Ethiopian Abiy Ahmed, and Indonesian Prabowo Subianto, among other high-level representatives.
What is the official stance of BRICS regarding the Middle East conflict?
The bloc’s joint declaration expressed deep concern over rising tensions, called for maximum restraint, warned against attacks on nuclear and civilian infrastructure, opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians, and urged an end to Israeli violence in Gaza.
Explore More Global Developments
To stay informed on how international trade policies and geopolitical shifts affect emerging markets, subscribe to our daily news updates and join the discussion in the comments below.