The BRICS nations have reached an agreement on a joint declaration that is expected to avoid naming any country while condemning unilateral military action, four sources told Reuters on Saturday.
The declaration
comes as member states work to resolve differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which are on opposing sides of the Gulf conflict.
The annual BRICS summit is being held in New Delhi this weekend, bringing together Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE.
According to Reuters, the leaders are expected to formally approve the joint declaration on Saturday.
UAE-Iran Divide At BRICS
The West Asia crisis has emerged as a key challenge for the expanded BRICS grouping, with Iran and the UAE taking opposing positions amid the conflict.
The war has severely disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments, while crude prices have crossed $100 a barrel.
The UAE, which has faced Iranian missile attacks since the conflict began, suspended all trade and financial transactions with Iran in August.
The differences had also complicated efforts to prepare a joint BRICS declaration. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Iran-UAE differences had a “negative impact” and were obstructing the drafting of the statement, while expressing hope that the leaders could agree on acceptable language.
In May, BRICS foreign ministers failed to issue a joint statement during their meeting in New Delhi because of differences between Iran and the UAE. India later issued a chair’s statement acknowledging that members had “differing views”.
India’s Balancing Act
Securing consensus among all BRICS members on a joint declaration marks a significant diplomatic achievement for India and the bloc’s Sherpas.
As BRICS chair, India has been keeping the focus on regional stability while preventing the West Asia crisis from derailing the grouping’s wider economic agenda, according to MEA sources.
As per the sources, India’s proposed approach included condemning “unprovoked aggression” without naming any country, reaffirming sovereignty and the UN Charter, opposing the use or threat of force, protecting civilians and critical infrastructure, and backing dialogue, diplomacy and freedom of navigation.
Indian officials, along with Russia, Brazil and Egypt, have held separate discussions with Iranian and UAE representatives over language that could be acceptable to both sides.
Iran wanted BRICS to explicitly condemn the US-Israeli attacks and Western sanctions, while the UAE wanted the declaration to recognise Iranian missile and drone attacks on Gulf territory and facilities.
