China, Russia, Iran leaders gather in India as BRICS nations seek common ground

NEW DELHI: Chinese President Xi Jinping, alongside the leaders of Russia, Iran, India and other BRICS nations, convened in New Delhi on Saturday with a common goal to find consensus on the Middle East conflict amidst growing divisions within the 11-member bloc. Xi voiced his stance, stating that the Middle East war does not align with the interests of the international community, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

However, foreign ministers from the BRICS grouping were unable to reach an agreement on a joint statement during their meeting in May, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates clashing over the war that commenced with US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Indian diplomatic sources revealed that leaders are striving for a unified position on certain issues as the bloc aims to enhance its global influence and tackle conflict, trade turbulence, and energy security.

Established in 2009, BRICS is a platform for major emerging economies seeking to assert influence in institutions dominated by Western powers. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other leaders, emphasizing the need to transform the current "pyramid of privilege" into a "platform of partnership."

He reminded attendees that BRICS nations constitute 50 percent of the world's population, 40 percent of global GDP, and over 25 percent of global trade. The Middle East situation dominated the agenda, with Modi highlighting India's complex relationship with Iran and Israel while maintaining a balanced approach towards Washington.

Iranian President Pezeshkian arrived at the summit after warning that the Middle East does not require the United States to act as its regional policeman amid ongoing tensions and the war threatening the vital Strait of Hormuz. Other key attendees include Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expected to join later on Saturday.

The summit also focuses on China, with Xi's visit marking his first to India since 2019, marking a significant step in the cautious thaw between the two nuclear-armed rivals. Modi warmly greeted Xi during the welcoming ceremony, and the two leaders are expected to engage in face-to-face talks later on Saturday, focusing on resolving the long-standing border dispute and fostering improved people-to-people and economic relations.

Despite significant progress, deep mistrust persists, exacerbated by their disputed Himalayan frontier, widening trade deficit, and strategic rivalry. Protesters gathered in New Delhi on Friday, with Tibetans waving placards against Xi's visit, expressing their concerns regarding human rights issues in the region.