BRICS urges ‘maximum restraint’ in Mideast

On the inaugural day of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, the collective of 11 nations, comprising China, Russia, Iran, and the UAE, issued a joint statement urging "maximum restraint" in the Middle East. Distilling months of discord, the declaration called for protection of civilians, respect for national sovereignty, and the unimpeded movement of global trade, energy, and shipping routes.

The statement explicitly condemned strikes on nuclear facilities, asserting that attacks on IAEA-safeguarded sites violated international law. It underscored the imperative to uphold nuclear safeguards, safety, and security, even amidst armed conflict, to shield people and the environment from harm.

The BRICS bloc also addressed ongoing crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Syria, calling for immediate ceasefires and unobstructed humanitarian access. Reaching this consensus represented a significant shift from previous attempts, as foreign ministers had struggled to agree on a joint Middle East text earlier in May due to profound disagreements among member states.

Diplomatic efforts in New Delhi focused on reconciling Iran's and the UAE's differences, which had grown more pronounced as Iran targeted U.S. bases in the Gulf, including the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE in late August.

While the statement aimed to maintain dialogue and present a united stance, analysts speculated that its impact on the conflict's trajectory would be limited. Nevertheless, it demonstrated BRICS's commitment to fostering regional cooperation despite internal differences. Former Indian ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, emphasized that ending the war would ultimately depend on the United States and Israel.

Speaking at the summit, China's President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for a political settlement, urging all parties to remain committed to achieving a comprehensive and enduring ceasefire. He also pledged China's "due role" in facilitating peace and stability in the Middle East. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for BRICS members to transform their cooperation into tangible outcomes.