BRICS Leaders Reach Joint Declaration Amid Middle East Tensions

The BRICS group of emerging economies agreed on a joint declaration during its summit in New Delhi, marking a diplomatic breakthrough after earlier attempts stalled due to disagreements between Iran and the UAE. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting the summit, said the bloc had matured and needed to turn its unity into real global outcomes. Sources said the declaration would avoid naming any specific country but would condemn unilateral aggression, with formal approval expected later Saturday.

Summit Held Amid Escalating Gulf Conflict

The gathering took place as the United States and Iran resumed strikes in their ongoing conflict, following a brief pause in August, while Houthi rebels in Yemen expanded control over parts of the Red Sea region. Indian officials led extensive consultations to bridge competing views among members, given the complexity of addressing the Middle East crisis in a way acceptable to both Abu Dhabi and Tehran.

Modi Calls for Global Reform

Leaders in attendance included Russia’s Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping, Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and UAE’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi urged greater representation for developing nations in global decision-making and renewed calls for reforming the U.N. Security Council. Xi added that BRICS nations should push for a more equitable international order.