Leaders of the BRICS nations gathered in New Delhi to discuss global cooperation, resulting in a joint declaration that addresses Middle East tensions while avoiding specific geopolitical conflicts.
Key facts
- •Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BRICS members to become "rule-shapers" in the global order.
- •The New Delhi Declaration was adopted on the first day of the summit after previous ministerial meetings failed to reach a consensus.
- •The UAE suspended all trade and financial transactions with Iran on August 19, citing regional escalation.
- •The joint declaration condemns attacks on civilian infrastructure but does not name specific parties responsible.
- •The summit included leaders from China, Russia, Iran, the UAE, India, and South Africa.
World leaders, including those from China, Russia, Iran, the UAE, and South Africa, convened in New Delhi this weekend for a BRICS summit hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting served as a platform for member nations to navigate complex diplomatic relationships, including those strained by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Despite historical border disputes and recent military confrontations between some members, the group successfully adopted a joint statement known as the New Delhi Declaration.
The New Delhi Declaration
The summit's joint declaration, adopted on Saturday, calls for "maximum restraint" regarding the conflict in the Middle East and emphasizes the protection of civilians and infrastructure. While the document supports a two-state solution and opposes the forced displacement of Palestinians, it avoids assigning blame for specific hostilities. Notably, the declaration makes no mention of the war in Ukraine, a departure from previous BRICS statements, and addresses trade concerns regarding tariffs and sanctions without explicitly naming the United States.
Diplomatic Engagement Between UAE and Iran
On the sidelines of the summit, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held high-level talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. This meeting follows the UAE's August 19 announcement that it had suspended trade and financial transactions with Iran due to regional escalations. While the leaders discussed reducing tensions and regional stability, the meeting did not result in a reversal of the UAE's trade restrictions. Analysts suggest the engagement reflects a strategy of managing regional risks rather than a restoration of trust.
Timeline
- 2020India and China engaged in a deadly clash along their disputed border.
- 19 AugustThe UAE foreign ministry announced a halt to all trade and financial transactions with Iran.
- SaturdayThe New Delhi Declaration was adopted by BRICS leaders.
- SundayAbu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
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