India is hosting the two-day BRICS foreign ministers' meeting starting today in New Delhi, with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar chairing the session [1, 2, 3]. The meeting opens as the BRICS bloc faces widening internal rifts over the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel [1, 2, 3].
Iran and the UAE, both of which joined the BRICS group in 2024, stand on opposing sides of the conflict. Iran recently launched strikes targeting the UAE and Saudi Arabia after US and Israeli attacks on Iranian territory triggered the escalation [2]. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused one BRICS member of pushing to condemn Iran, blocking consensus on a unified bloc statement on the crisis [2].
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke at the meeting, stating, "Iranians are fully prepared to defend their independence, territorial integrity and national interests," while calling for diplomatic support to resist US pressure [2, 3]. Analyst Uday Chandra expects Araghchi to seek backing within BRICS to counter US military pressure, press for stronger anti-American language, and reassure partners about Iran’s openness to diplomacy, though Chandra also said "anti-American theatrics are unlikely to dominate the summit in India" [3].
India faces a difficult balancing act at the meeting, given competing viewpoints and partnerships within BRICS. Jaishankar emphasized the urgency of the conflict’s risks, noting, "The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation" [2]. Discussions at the meeting also cover securing Gulf shipping routes and the Strait of Hormuz, vital to regional and Indian maritime security [3].
China’s participation is expected to be limited due to coinciding events, including US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing [1, 2]. India is likely to prioritize de-escalation strategies and practical security guarantees for its shipping interests over anti-American rhetoric at the summit [3].
The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting began on May 14 in New Delhi, following heightened Middle East tensions since US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and the 2024 induction of Iran and UAE into the bloc [1, 2, 3].
