BRICS Summit Calls for Restraint Amid Middle East Escalation

The BRICS group of nations issued a joint statement on Saturday expressing "deep concern over the war in the Middle East" and urging "maximum restraint." The declaration, adopted on the first day of the annual BRICS summit in New Delhi, also supported a "multilateral approach that respects national viewpoints." This comes as the United States and Iran have resumed reciprocal strikes following a lull in fighting throughout most of August.

The "New Delhi Declaration" stated, "We express our deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East... and call for maximum restraint... and the avoidance of actions that could further exacerbate the situation." The statement reaffirmed member states' commitment to the peaceful resolution of international disputes through dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy.

Additionally, the nations voiced concern over increasing "unilateral measures related to customs and non-customs duties" that distort trade flows. This was framed against the backdrop of U.S. sanctions on Tehran amid their conflict, and on Russia due to its dispute with Ukraine.

The inclusion of Iran and the UAE, an ally of Washington, in BRICS had made reaching a consensus on a joint statement a significant challenge for host nation India. The current BRICS members are Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.