India gears up for BRICS Summit amid US-Iran conflict

India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit, despite the ongoing US-Iran conflict threatening unity among the world's most influential emerging economies. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are set to convene in New Delhi next month. However, concerns linger about the bloc's ability to maintain focus on its economic agenda amid divisions over the Middle East war.

India's capital, New Delhi, will host leaders from nations that account for nearly a third of the world's GDP and half of the world's population. The summit could be India's most challenging chairmanship yet, as it navigates a more cohesive and larger group. Key attendees include South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to attend, with his speech addressing the US-Iran conflict drawing particular attention. The conflict has already caused tensions within BRICS, with Iran and the UAE clashing over regional destabilization during the Foreign Ministers' meeting. BRICS members have struggled to agree on a joint statement since India assumed chairmanship, raising doubts about the group's effectiveness.

Analysts emphasize the importance of a joint declaration to maintain BRICS' credibility and appeal to prospective members. While the summit promises to be a major diplomatic event, not all leaders are expected to participate. Brazilian President Lula da Silva is likely to skip the summit due to elections, and Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may also abstain over disagreements with New Delhi.

Despite these challenges, India aims to highlight the Global South's interests, advocating for reforms in international institutions like the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank. The summit will also focus on climate finance, AI, and critical minerals supply chains, positioning India as a champion for the Global South's needs.