During a foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, Iran called on BRICS countries to condemn what it described as violations of international law by the United States and Israel in relation to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. This appeal revealed increasing divisions within the expanded BRICS group.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized Tehran’s expectation that BRICS members, along with the wider international community, explicitly denounce what he termed “illegal aggression” by Washington and Tel Aviv. He sharply criticized the US for its role in the conflict, labeling it as “illegal expansionism and warmongering.” Despite this, Araqchi stated that Iran remains open to diplomatic solutions but is ready to defend itself by all available means.
These statements exposed the challenges BRICS faces in presenting a unified position, especially given the inclusion of regional rivals such as Iran and the United Arab Emirates within the bloc. The conflict, which erupted on February 28, has significantly heightened geopolitical tensions and triggered a global energy crisis due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for nearly 20% of the world’s oil shipments.
The disruption in tanker traffic has pushed crude oil prices upward, raising concerns about renewed inflation and slower economic growth worldwide, particularly affecting energy-importing nations like India.
BRICS was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2011. The group later expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE. India, which will chair BRICS in 2026, aimed to maintain a balanced approach during the meeting.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar refrained from directly criticizing any country but underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and the uninterrupted flow of maritime trade through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. He highlighted the need for special attention to the conflict in West Asia.
Jaishankar also condemned the increasing use of unilateral sanctions, noting that such measures disproportionately impact developing countries and cannot substitute for diplomatic efforts. He pointed out the growing expectation among emerging markets and developing nations for BRICS to assume a constructive and stabilizing role.
In a related development, India’s foreign ministry reported that an Indian-flagged vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman on Wednesday. Fortunately, all crew members were safe. The ministry condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and deploring the ongoing targeting of commercial shipping and civilian mariners.
