India welcomes Russia, Iran leaders for BRICS summit overshadowed by war

Leaders from Russia and Iran arrived in India on Friday to discuss matters ahead of the BRICS summit, which will focus on conflict, economic challenges, and global trade turbulence. The two-day summit, commencing on Saturday, marks Chinese President Xi Jinping's first visit to India since 2019, symbolizing a cautiously warming relationship between the two nations, separated by a disputed border for six years after a military clash.

Despite the progress in ties, deep mistrust persists due to their contested Himalayan frontier, widening trade deficit, and strategic rivalry.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his welcome to the visiting leaders, urging debate and friendship with the virtuous only, emphasizing friendly relations with Iran and Israel while balancing ties with the United States. The summit, initiated in 2009 to empower emerging economies against Western influence, includes Iran and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the diverse opinions within the group regarding the ongoing war.

BRICS members, including India, China, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, will deliberate on the conflict in the Middle East, which is expected to be the central issue at the gathering.

Tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict are likely to strain the cohesion of the BRICS alliance, according to Harsh V. Pant of India's Observer Research Foundation. Meanwhile, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, who arrived earlier that day, will participate in talks with Indian leaders, marking his first visit to India as the country's president.

The conflict in Iran is anticipated to test the group's unity, as demonstrated by their inability to agree on a joint statement during a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in May. Other notable attendees at the summit include UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.