NEW DELHI: Members of the 11-nation BRICS group, including China, Russia, Iran and India, have called for “maximum restraint” amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and urged countries to avoid actions that could further worsen the situation.
The call came in a joint statement issued on Saturday during the BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi following intensive diplomatic efforts by host India.
“We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East/West Asia,” the statement said, calling on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid steps that could further aggravate the situation.
BRICS condemns attacks on civilian, nuclear facilities
The group also expressed serious concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities operating under safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“We express serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in violation of international law and relevant resolutions of the IAEA,” the statement said.
BRICS leaders stressed that nuclear safeguards, safety and security must be maintained even during armed conflicts to protect people and the environment.
The statement marked a diplomatic breakthrough after BRICS foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement during their meeting in New Delhi in May.
Divisions among members, particularly over the Middle East conflict involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, had complicated efforts to reach consensus.
Xi Jinping arrives in India for BRICS summit overshadowed by war
Calls for global peace and stable trade
BRICS also acknowledged growing global polarisation and distrust and called for collective efforts to strengthen international peace and security.
“We note the current global context of polarisation and distrust and encourage global action to strengthen international peace and security,” the statement said.
The group also stressed the importance of maintaining the smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy in accordance with international law.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the opening of the two-day summit, said the war in the Middle East did not serve the common interests of the international community, according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the leaders attending the summit.
Leaders gather as regional tensions escalate
The BRICS summit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and divisions over the Middle East conflict.
UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are also attending the summit in New Delhi.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is expected to join the gathering later on Saturday.
Established in 2009, BRICS was initially formed as a platform for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in international institutions dominated by Western powers. The grouping has since expanded, bringing together countries with increasingly diverse political and strategic interests.
