BRICS Foreign Ministers Fail to Issue Joint Statement, Highlighting Differences on Iran-US War Stance

BRICS foreign ministers concluded their two-day meeting in New Delhi without issuing a joint statement, with host India releasing only a chair's statement that highlighted differences among member states. Reuters reported that Tehran hoped BRICS would condemn the war initiated by the US and Israel against Iran, and accused the UAE of direct involvement in military actions against Iran. Iran has repeatedly attacked the UAE with missiles and drones since the outbreak of the war on February 28. The Indian statement noted that "some member states hold different views on the situation in West Asia/Middle East." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi revealed at a press conference that a BRICS member country opposed parts of the statement, without naming the UAE directly. He stated that Iran does not have conflicts with that country and is not targeting them in the war, only attacking US military bases and facilities that happen to be on their territory. He expressed hope that the situation would change by the BRICS summit later in the year. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently issued a statement firmly denying Iran's accusations and any intent to justify attacks on the UAE. Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar, representing the UAE at the BRICS meeting, stated that the UAE's civilian and critical infrastructure has been subjected to "terrorist attacks" by Iran since February 28, and Tehran should be held fully responsible. Marar accused Iran of obstructing international shipping lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and emphasized that the UAE is not seeking protection from other countries and is fully capable of responding to the so-called "unprovoked aggression." According to the statement released by India, BRICS member states presented their positions and shared diverse perspectives during the meeting, including the importance of de-escalating the crisis as soon as possible, the value of dialogue and diplomacy, and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The talks also covered the importance of upholding international law, ensuring the safety and unimpeded flow of commercial maritime traffic, and protecting civilian infrastructure and lives. The statement noted that BRICS foreign ministers "reiterated that the Gaza Strip is an inalienable part of the occupied Palestinian territory" and emphasized the importance of unifying the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority. BRICS member states include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE.