Iran Conflict Overshadows BRICS Foreign Ministers' Gathering in Delhi

The ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran threatens to dominate discussions at the two-day BRICS foreign ministers' meeting starting Thursday in New Delhi, challenging the group's capacity to forge a common stance and issue a unified declaration.

Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has grown to encompass Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran pressed India, the 2026 BRICS chair, to leverage the forum for rallying support against US and Israeli moves in the Gulf hostilities.

Primary rifts have surfaced between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, aligned on contrary sides of the battle lines since the US and Israel initiated hostilities on February 28.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to join late Wednesday for the session spanning May 14-15. Russia's Sergey Lavrov is also set to participate.

Details on UAE representation remain unclear. Expectations run high for friction following accounts of UAE and Saudi strikes on Iran in response to prior Iranian attacks.

Iran Fuels Divisions Within BRICS Ranks

India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted in March that direct involvement of certain BRICS states in the fray complicates consensus-building.

A ministry source expressed optimism to Reuters about securing a joint communique post-ministerial talks.

"Encouraged that foreign ministers from all BRICS nations - barring China, preoccupied elsewhere - are attending. This signals strong commitment to uniting BRICS on issues vital to emerging markets and the Global South," remarked ex-Indian diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri.

"Political resolutions pose challenges, yet the dialogue itself is promising and may pave a path ahead," he continued.

War-driven spikes in energy costs have spurred BRICS countries like India to enact urgent safeguards for their economies and citizens.

China has maintained formal neutrality, balancing deep links with Iran and Arab Sunni powers.

With Foreign Minister Wang Yi unavailable due to US President Donald Trump's Beijing visit this week, China will send Ambassador to India Xu Feihong as its envoy.