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

On the opening day of the BRICS leaders' summit in New Delhi, the bloc's nations unanimously adopted a joint declaration, expressing deep concern over the ongoing war in the Middle East. The declaration, which comes amid the recent resumption of tit-for-tat strikes between the United States and Iran, calls for maximum restraint in the region, urging members to avoid actions that could exacerbate the situation.

The New Delhi Declaration emphasizes the importance of a multilateral approach that respects national viewpoints and reiterates the commitment of member states to resolving international disputes through peaceful means such as dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy. Additionally, the declaration highlights concerns about the impact of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures on global trade, particularly in light of US sanctions against Iran and Russia's conflict with Ukraine.

The BRICS group comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.