China, Russia, India and Iran among 11-member bloc urging an end to actions that could worsen regional crisis……
BRICS leaders have urged countries involved in the escalating Middle East conflict to exercise “maximum restraint”, warning against actions that could further intensify tensions across the region.
The appeal was contained in a joint statement issued on Saturday at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, following intensive diplomatic efforts by host India to secure agreement among members.
The bloc said it was deeply concerned by the continuing escalation in what it referred to as the Middle East and West Asia, while acknowledging that its members hold different national positions on the conflict.
“We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East/West Asia and, recalling our respective national positions, call for exercising maximum restraint, as well as avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation,” the statement said.
The agreement marks a shift from the group’s foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi in May, where members failed to produce a joint statement amid divisions over the war.
Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had been among the members holding differing positions on the conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
The leaders also condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities.
The bloc expressed particular concern over strikes on peaceful nuclear sites operating under safeguards administered by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“We express serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in violation of international law and relevant resolutions of the IAEA,” the statement said.
BRICS stressed that nuclear safety and security should not be compromised, even during armed conflicts.
“Nuclear safeguards, safety, and security must always be upheld, including in armed conflicts, to protect people and the environment from harm.”
The Middle East conflict featured prominently at the summit, with leaders also warning about its wider impact on the global economy.
The bloc called for international cooperation to strengthen peace and security amid what it described as growing global polarisation and distrust.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking at the opening of the two-day summit on Saturday, said the war in the Middle East did not serve the interests of the international community, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua.
“We note the current global context of polarisation and distrust and encourage global action to strengthen international peace and security,” the BRICS statement said.
The leaders also called for efforts to keep international commerce and energy supplies moving.
“We stress the need to work together to maintain smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy, in accordance with applicable international law,” they said.
The summit has brought together leaders from across the expanded BRICS grouping, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are also attending the meeting, while Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is expected to participate later.
BRICS was established in 2009 as a platform for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in global institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers.
The group has since expanded beyond its original membership, bringing together countries with differing geopolitical interests.
The agreement on a joint statement therefore represents a diplomatic effort to maintain a common position on the Middle East despite those divisions.
