The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran is coming to the forefront of a meeting of the BRICS foreign ministers set to open on Thursday in New Delhi, India.
This two-day meeting will be a test for the group as they try to find a common position despite the divisions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS have expanded in recent years to include several countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
Iran has asked India, which holds the BRICS presidency in 2026, to use this meeting to build a consensus condemning the American and Israeli strikes against Iran.
However, this ambition faces tensions between Iran and several Gulf countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates. After the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran on February 28, Tehran launched missiles and drones towards several Gulf states.
The situation could become even more sensitive after reports that the United Arab Emirates discreetly conducted strikes against Iranian military and energy sites in early April. These reports have not been publicly confirmed by the countries involved, but they could escalate tensions within the group.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected in New Delhi, as well as his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. The representation of the United Arab Emirates has not yet been specified.
China, on the other hand, is expected to be represented by its ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is detained by Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing.
Despite everything, India hopes to achieve a joint statement at the end of the meeting. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs had already acknowledged in March that it was difficult to reach a consensus, as some members of the BRICS are directly involved in the conflict.
The partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has also brought the energy question to the forefront of discussions. The surge in oil prices and trade disruptions have forced several BRICS countries, including India, to take emergency measures to protect their economies.
