BRICS summit leaders urge 'maximum restraint' in Middle East

The BRICS group of emerging economies has reached an agreement on a joint declaration, according to sources close to the situation. This development comes as the bloc's leaders are set to convene for a summit in New Delhi, aimed at enhancing their collective global influence. The summit, which coincides with the resumption of tit-for-tat strikes between the United States and Iran, follows a brief ceasefire in August.

During this time, the Houthis in Yemen have extended their control to the Red Sea region. Sources indicate that the declaration, while not naming any specific country, will strongly condemn unilateral military action by any nation. It is anticipated that the BRICS leaders will endorse this document later on Saturday. The foreign ministry of the host country, India, has not yet commented on the declaration.

Foreign policy experts believe the critical aspect of this initiative will be reaching a consensus on Middle East issues that are acceptable to both the United Arab Emirates and Iran, potentially paving the way for the joint declaration. The success of this statement, though unlikely to directly alter the current geopolitical climate, would showcase the unity of a coalition of emerging nations against economically restrictive policies like Western sanctions.

BRICS foreign ministers had previously failed to issue a joint statement in May due to disagreements between Iran and the UAE. However, the summit in New Delhi presents an opportunity to address these rifts. The BRICS bloc seeks to elevate its international standing by advocating for reforms in institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and WTO, which some members feel are dominated by Western powers.

The summit will be attended by key figures including Russian President Vladimir Putin, China's Xi Jinping, Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. New Delhi, while maintaining strong ties with the United States, Russia, Israel, Iran, and the Gulf Arab states, is navigating a delicate diplomatic balance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is encouraging BRICS members to strengthen economic ties, reduce barriers, and expand business opportunities. Achieving consensus on the Iran-UAE conflict and producing a unanimous declaration has been a pressing issue for BRICS diplomats and officials.