Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the BRICS annual summit in New Delhi on Sunday that the bloc must unequivocally reject occupation, settler colonialism, and settler terrorism amid escalating Middle East conflict. According to a statement posted on Facebook, Anwar emphasized that Israel’s military actions have generated repercussions extending far beyond the immediate region, disrupting global energy markets and supply chains.
Middle East Conflict Impacts Global Trade and Energy
Global economic stability remains tied to secure transit routes, as noted by Anwar during the open session titled “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth.” He stated that inclusive growth is impossible while war drives energy prices higher and threatens vital sea lanes. The conflict, which escalated significantly after the US and Israel launched a war on Iran on Feb. 28, prompted Tehran to fire missiles and drones at Israel and regional countries hosting US assets. Additionally, global trade and energy flows were broadly disrupted after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to navigation. Kuala Lumpur maintains a foreign policy stance centered on respecting sovereignty, protecting civilians, and keeping global economic arteries free from military conflict, according to official positions.
BRICS Market Strength and Economic Resilience
A major opportunity for the 11-member BRICS group—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—lies in diversifying trade away from conventional Western markets. Anwar urged member states to act jointly through concrete measures to dismantle unfair trading practices, share development experiences, and strengthen technical cooperation in emerging fields like semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Financing mechanisms must meet basic needs without leaving developing nations vulnerable to unsustainable debt, he noted. He highlighted the importance of advancing initiatives through the New Development Bank, local-currency settlements, and Islamic capital markets. Meanwhile, Vietnam, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan participated as partner countries following their 2025 inclusion, aligning with the New Delhi Declaration adopted on Saturday to deepen cooperation among emerging economies.
Did you know?
The expanded BRICS bloc now incorporates 11 full member states alongside multiple partner countries following formal diplomatic integrations finalized through recent summits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Malaysia demand at the BRICS summit?
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that BRICS must reject occupation, settler colonialism, and settler terrorism, while urging joint action against unfair trading practices and Middle East conflict disruptions.
Which countries are part of the expanded BRICS grouping?
The 11-member bloc includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside several designated partner countries.
How has the conflict in the Middle East affected global trade?
According to statements at the summit, the military escalation involving the US, Israel, and Iran has driven up energy prices, increased inflation, and caused widespread disruption following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
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