BRICS adopts joint declaration, urges ‘maximum restraint’ in Mideast

The BRICS coalition of countries unanimously endorsed a joint statement on Saturday, expressing serious apprehension regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The declaration, made during the bloc's annual summit in New Delhi, called for utmost restraint, emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could exacerbate the situation. This follows the recent resumption of tit-for-tat strikes between the United States and Iran, after a period of relative calm for much of August.

The BRICS group comprises Iran and the United Arab Emirates, both key members of the coalition. The New Delhi Declaration underscored the commitment of its members to resolving international disputes peacefully through dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy. Additionally, the declaration highlighted concerns over the surge in unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort trade, particularly in the context of US sanctions against Tehran amid its war with Iran, and Russia's conflict with Ukraine.