India scores diplomatic success at BRICS as Iran and UAE leaders meet

NEW DELHI: The BRICS Summit called for an end to the conflict in West Asia while stressing the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries. Soon after, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held an unexpected meeting with UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in what is being seen as a diplomatic success for India. The Iranian Embassy confirmed the meeting but did not disclose details of the discussions.

The summit expressed concern over the ongoing conflicts and urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions. It stressed that international disputes should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.

The summit also provided a platform for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call for the Global South to move beyond being passive recipients of global decisions and play a greater role in shaping them. In his opening remarks, Modi called for structural reforms in the United Nations Security Council to strengthen the voice of developing countries.

The BRICS declaration also criticised the US move to impose unilateral tariffs, warning that such measures could hurt global trade and disrupt supply chains.

Talks continued until 4 am

• Consensus was reached only after discussions continued until the early hours of Saturday, as Iran pushed for condemnation of the US-led attacks while Saudi Arabia and the UAE raised concerns over violations of sovereignty.
• India maintained that differences in geopolitical positions should not be allowed to affect the BRICS process. The member countries eventually agreed not to name any country directly in the declaration.
• Addressing Iran’s concerns, the declaration expressed concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
• The summit also called for a long-term understanding through dialogue and diplomacy to ensure lasting peace, security and stability in the region. It called for steps to address the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz without directly naming it.
• Member countries unanimously approved the 45-page draft declaration, which contains 140 proposals, during discussions held in the afternoon.

No support for terrorism

BRICS condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed, and called for opposition to terrorism in all its forms. The grouping also reiterated the need to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza and protect Palestinians.

UN should have a woman Secretary-General

BRICS called for a woman to be appointed as the next UN Secretary-General and urged that candidates from countries that have not received adequate representation be considered. It also called for India and Brazil to be given permanent membership of the UN Security Council.