BRICS group wields its influence

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 15, 2026

BRICS leaders, including India’s Narendra Modi, China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkhian, met in New Delhi to emphasize unity amid global tensions and released a declaration calling for restraint and de-escalation without supporting Western sanctions on Iran. The summit demonstrated growing challenges to U.S. efforts to isolate Iran economically and highlighted India’s balancing act between its Western partnerships and desire for strategic autonomy within a shifting global order.

The recent BRICS summit held in New Delhi showcased a display of unity among member countries at a time of heightened global strategic tensions, underscoring complications for U.S. efforts to isolate Iran economically. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the meeting, welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping—marking Xi’s first visit to India in seven years—as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit also included leaders from Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkhian.

The optics of Modi embracing Xi and Putin were notable given the historically strained relations between India and China. Additionally, President Pezeshkhian’s reportedly cordial discussion with Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE occurred despite ongoing regional tensions and Iran’s previous attacks on UAE territory. These interactions highlighted the complexities of regional diplomacy within the BRICS framework.

The summit concluded with the release of a 45-page New Delhi Declaration that called for “maximum restraint,” immediate de-escalation in the Middle East, and cooperation to safeguard trade and maritime supply chains. The statement condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure but notably refrained from assigning blame to any party involved in ongoing conflicts. Observers noted that key BRICS members, particularly China, India, and Russia, showed no indication of supporting Western-led sanctions against Iran or aligning with U.S. efforts to curb Tehran’s economic influence.

India’s participation raised questions given its strategic partnerships with Western-aligned nations through the Quad alliance, comprising Australia, the United States, and Japan. However, analysts pointed out that New Delhi’s position reflects its desire to maintain strategic autonomy and dissatisfaction with previous U.S. trade policies under former President Donald Trump, which had negatively impacted the Indian economy. The summit’s dynamics suggest India is balancing its relationships carefully, resisting full alignment with Western sanctions measures.

Despite the summit’s significance, former President Trump reportedly downplayed its impact, stating he “did not care” much about the outcomes. Experts, however, argue the summit signals a broader ambition by China and its BRICS partners to challenge U.S. global influence and reshape the existing international order. In this regard, the meeting reinforced BRICS as a platform for member nations to assert their geopolitical interests and resist Western pressures.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.