BRICS nations call for 'maximum restraint' in Middle East war

Members of the 11-nation BRICS group, comprising China, Russia, Iran, and India, called for restraint in the Middle East during a summit in New Delhi on Saturday. The leaders, despite past divisions, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the escalating tensions in the region. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the war in the Middle East "does not serve the common interests of the international community".

The foreign ministers had previously failed to agree on a joint statement in May, with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates divided over the conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28. However, BRICS leaders issued the statement after intensive diplomatic efforts by host India, aiming to enhance its global influence and address conflict, trade turbulence, and energy security.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for maximum restraint and avoidance of actions that could worsen the situation. Indian and Chinese leaders have recently strengthened their ties, with Xi's first visit to India in six years symbolizing a cautious thaw between the nuclear-armed rivals.