Top diplomats from BRICS nations began a two-day summit in New Delhi on Thursday.

The meeting comes as the expanded BRICS grouping grapples with significant internal divisions over the war in Iran, surging energy prices, and rising global uncertainty.

The gathering brings together foreign ministers from the bloc’s founding members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as well as its newer member countries.

Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening economic cooperation and forging common positions on pressing global issues.

In his opening address, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasised that peace and security remain central to the global order.

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations. Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape,” he said.

“There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets and developing countries, that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising role.”

India finds itself walking a delicate diplomatic tightrope as it seeks to manage deep divisions among BRICS members on key international issues.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for “safe and unimpeded maritime flows” through international waters, stressing that the Strait of Hormuz remains critical for global economic stability despite the ongoing blockade.

In contrast, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged BRICS members to strongly condemn what he described as the “unlawful aggression” by the United States and Israel against Tehran.

His remarks come as Washington and Tehran continue to exchange threats, with a fragile ceasefire appearing on the verge of collapse.

The conflict has triggered widespread global repercussions, significantly affecting several BRICS nations.

Originally founded by Brazil, Russia, India, and China as a platform for major emerging economies, BRICS was conceived as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions such as the G7.

South Africa joined in 2010, followed by a major expansion in 2024 that brought in Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia became a full member in 2025.

The bloc has been actively working to amplify its voice in the global order and challenge the long-standing dominance of the United States and its Western allies.

It has found growing support across the Global South, where many countries have voiced dissatisfaction with Western-led financial institutions.