BRICS agrees to joint declaration in test of unity despite Mideast tensions

The BRICS group of emerging economies has reached an agreement on a joint declaration, sources indicate, despite challenges posed by tensions in the Middle East. This diplomatic achievement comes as the bloc's leaders convene in New Delhi for a summit aimed at enhancing their global influence. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the bloc's readiness to translate its unity into tangible outcomes on the international stage.

The summit, while addressing the ongoing Gulf conflict, also coincides with resumed hostilities between the United States and Iran. The joint declaration is expected to condemn unilateral aggression by any country, without naming specific nations. Indian authorities are working to bridge differing perspectives among members, particularly regarding the Middle East crisis.

Although the declaration may not significantly alter the current geopolitical situation, it will demonstrate the bloc's unity against economically harmful policies like Western sanctions. This effort to unite nations against such policies is seen as a test of the BRICS bloc's strength and commitment to reforming global institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization, which some members perceive as Western-dominated.