What's happened
BRICS foreign ministers have convened in New Delhi amid persistent divisions over the U.S.-Israel conflict in the Middle East. India’s chairmanship has highlighted calls for reform of global governance while specific language on Gaza and regional security has faced reservations from some members. Iran has urged condemnation of Western actions, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia are cited as key divisive players.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- BRICS has long sought to broaden governance in global institutions, but a coherent joint statement is proving difficult as members align differently on the Iran war, sanctions and regional security.
- Iran has used the forum to press for condemnation of U.S. and Israeli actions, while the UAE and Saudi regions are wary allies in the war, complicating consensus.
- The talks are shaping how BRICS might position itself ahead of a potential summit, with energy security and Gulf stability likely to drive outcomes. Expect a cautious push for language that reflects a multipolar order without locking members into a single stance.
tone:
- This will influence BRICS’s credibility as a unified bloc and potentially shape how emerging economies engage with Western powers on security and trade.
How we got here
India is hosting an expanded BRICS meeting that includes Iran, the UAE and Indonesia. The bloc is seeking a greater Global South voice in international institutions and to articulate a multipolar world order. The discussions occur as the Iran war persists and Gulf tensions affect energy markets and shipping routes, notably through the Strait of Hormuz.
Our analysis
Al Jazeera has reported that Iran has urged BRICS to condemn Western actions; The Independent notes divisions among members and a footnoted reservation about Gaza language; The New Arab highlights expectations for a joint statement amid tensions between Iran and the UAE; All outlets emphasize BRICS chair India navigating consensus under war conditions.
Go deeper
- What language on Gaza and Red Sea security will BRICS finally endorse?
- Will BRICS formalize a joint position ahead of Modi’s upcoming summit?
More on these topics
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BRICS - Association of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates
BRICS is the acronym coined to associate five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICS members are known for their significant influence on regional affairs.
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Iran - Country in the Middle East
Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Israel - Country in the Middle East
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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United States - Country in North America
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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United Arab Emirates - Country in the Middle East
The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a sovereign state in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing m
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Abbas Araghchi - Iranian diplomat
Abbas Araghchi is an Iranian diplomat who is currently the political deputy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran. He previously held office as the Deputy for Asia–Pacific and the Commonwealth Affairs and Legal and International Affairs of the Mini
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New Delhi - Capital of India
New Delhi is a district located in NCT Delhi. New Delhi serves as the capital of India and the seat of all three branches of the Government of India. The foundation stone of New Delhi was laid by Emperor George V during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. It was de
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India - Country in South Asia
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.