BRICS Calls for Calm Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

NEW DELHI: (News Desk) – BRICS leaders have called for maximum restraint and an immediate easing of tensions in the Middle East, as the 11-member grouping met for its summit in New Delhi on Saturday.

China, Russia, Iran, India and other BRICS members expressed deep concern over the continuing escalation in the Middle East and urged all sides to avoid actions that could further worsen the situation.

In a joint statement issued after intensive diplomatic efforts by India, the leaders stressed the need for restraint and greater international cooperation to prevent further escalation.

The statement also condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities operating under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

BRICS leaders stressed that nuclear safety, security and safeguards must be maintained even during armed conflicts to protect people and the environment.

The latest statement followed a lack of consensus among BRICS foreign ministers when they met in New Delhi in May. Differences among members, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, had prevented them from issuing a joint declaration over the conflict.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the ongoing war in the Middle East does not serve the common interests of the international community, according to China’s state news agency.

The BRICS statement also called for collective efforts to strengthen global peace and security while maintaining the smooth movement of international trade, supply chains and energy in accordance with international law.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the leaders attending the summit in New Delhi.

UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are also participating, while Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is expected to join the summit later on Saturday.

BRICS was established in 2009 as a platform for major emerging economies seeking a stronger voice in global institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers.