Brics leaders unite on Middle East calm despite deep divisions

On September 13, 2025, leaders from the 11-nation Brics group gathered in New Delhi to call for stability in the Middle East, despite longstanding divisions. The summit aimed to address conflict, trade turbulence, and energy security, with Brics representing 50% of the world's population, 40% of global GDP and over 25% of global trade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi all issued a joint statement calling for maximum restraint and avoiding actions that could worsen the situation. The Middle East war "does not serve the common interests of the international community," said Xi, before meeting Indian Prime Minister Modi.

Brics, formed in 2009, seeks to boost the influence of emerging economies amidst Western dominance. However, balancing the bloc remains challenging as India maintains relations with both Iran and Israel while being cautious of its ties with the US. India has turned to Russia for energy amid the US-Iran conflict, despite Moscow's involvement in Ukraine and Western pressure.

Xi's visit is significant as it marks his first trip to India since 2019 and reflects a cautious thaw between the nuclear-armed rivals.