As tensions continue to escalate in West Asia, India is preparing to host a crucial meeting of BRICS foreign ministers next month, even as it works behind the scenes to forge consensus on a joint position regarding the ongoing conflict.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled for May 14–15 in New Delhi, serving as a precursor to the 17th BRICS Summit under India’s presidency. Invitations have been extended to all member nations, with Sergey Lavrov confirming his participation on behalf of Russia.
The expanded BRICS grouping now includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates—several of which are directly or indirectly impacted by the ongoing conflict.
A Meeting Amid Escalating Geopolitical Strains
The upcoming meeting takes place against the backdrop of heightened tensions following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. The conflict has had far-reaching consequences, including a sharp escalation in global energy concerns, driven in part by disruptions and security threats in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on key oil infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.
With at least three BRICS members directly affected by the crisis, the meeting is expected to be both sensitive and strategically significant.
India’s Delicate Diplomatic Position
As the current BRICS chair, India finds itself in a complex diplomatic position. Iran has urged New Delhi to facilitate a formal statement condemning the U.S.-Israeli military actions. However, divergent positions within the bloc have made consensus-building a challenging task.
While countries such as China and Russia have taken a more critical stance on the strikes, others—including the United Arab Emirates—have adopted more nuanced or differing positions, reflecting the broader geopolitical complexities within the grouping.
Ongoing Efforts to Build Consensus
India has been actively engaging with BRICS member states to arrive at a balanced and unified response. A recent virtual meeting of BRICS sherpas on March 12 focused on assessing the evolving situation in West Asia and exploring possible areas of convergence.
Earlier, New Delhi hosted the first BRICS Sherpa and Sous Sherpa meeting on February 9–10, setting the agenda for the year under the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Despite sustained diplomatic efforts, internal divisions persist, underscoring the difficulty of aligning diverse geopolitical interests within an expanded BRICS framework.
A Critical Test for BRICS Unity
The forthcoming foreign ministers’ meeting is likely to serve as a key test of BRICS’ ability to act cohesively during a major international crisis. For India, the challenge lies in balancing competing interests while preserving the group’s unity and credibility on the global stage.
As the situation in West Asia continues to evolve, the outcome of the New Delhi meeting could play a significant role in shaping BRICS’ collective voice—and its relevance—in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape.
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