Leaders of the BRICS group, composed of 11 nations including China, Russia, Iran, and India, issued a joint statement calling for maximum restraint amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The declaration was released on September 12 during the BRICS summit in New Delhi, reflecting a rare consensus after earlier divisions among member states.
The statement expressed serious concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and West Asia, urging all parties to avoid actions that could further exacerbate the situation. This marked a significant development following a failure to agree on a unified position during a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in May, when disagreements persisted among members such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates regarding the conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Hosted by India, the summit convened key figures including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. President Xi highlighted the negative impact of the conflict, emphasizing that it does not serve the interests of the global community.
The joint statement also condemned deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities currently under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, describing these actions as violations of international law and IAEA resolutions. The group stressed the imperative of upholding nuclear safety and security, even amid armed conflict, to protect both people and the environment.
In addition to addressing the conflict, the BRICS leaders acknowledged the broader global environment marked by polarization and distrust. They called for international cooperation to bolster peace and security worldwide. The statement underscored the importance of maintaining the uninterrupted flow of global trade, supply chains, and energy resources, emphasizing adherence to applicable international laws.
The joint declaration signals a concerted BRICS effort to engage diplomatically on the Middle East crisis and global stability, reflecting the group's growing role in international affairs despite differing national interests among its members.