BRICS Leaders to Convene in New Delhi Amidst Iran Conflict Divisions
Leaders of the BRICS nations are set to gather in New Delhi on September 12-13 for a summit where the war in Iran and the resulting disagreements among member states will be a primary focus. Tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the conflict are particularly notable and could impede the adoption of a final declaration, according to Channel NewsAsia. The summit occurs over six months after the commencement of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Both Iran and the UAE are members of BRICS, with Iran joining in 2024.
The conflict has significantly impacted global trade, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil transit route, reportedly paralyzed. This has contributed to oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel. Relations between Iran and the UAE have deteriorated sharply; in August, Abu Dhabi suspended trade and financial dealings with Tehran following Iranian missile strikes on UAE territory.
These divisions have already affected BRICS operations, as evidenced by the foreign ministers' inability to agree on a joint statement during a May meeting in New Delhi. Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that the Iran-UAE disagreements are complicating preparations for the current summit's declaration, though Moscow hopes a mutually agreeable text can be found.
Experts suggest that BRICS' expansion enhances its global influence but simultaneously complicates decision-making, as consensus is required. The article notes that leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, including India's Narendra Modi, China's Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian, recently signed a declaration condemning U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.
Expected attendees at the BRICS summit include leaders from China, Russia, Iran, South Africa, Egypt, and Indonesia. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also been invited. The UAE is expected to be represented by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Significant attention is anticipated for potential bilateral meetings between Modi and Xi Jinping, marking Xi's first visit to India in seven years, and between Modi and Putin to discuss trade and economic cooperation.
