BRICS nations call for 'maximum restraint' in Middle East

Members of the 11-nation BRICS group, including China, Russia, Iran and India, called for calm in the Middle East in a joint statement issued Saturday at a summit in New Delhi.

The declaration came after months of internal division over the region's ongoing conflicts.

What did the BRICS joint statement say?

The statement expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East and West Asia.

It called for exercising maximum restraint and avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation, while recalling each member's respective national position on the conflict.

Why is the BRICS statement significant?

Foreign ministers of the BRICS grouping failed to agree on a joint statement when they met in New Delhi in May, with member states Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates divided over the war that began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28. A statement was ultimately issued at the leaders' meeting on Saturday after intense diplomatic efforts by host India, marking a breakthrough despite lingering differences between Iran and the UAE.

What did the statement say about nuclear facilities?

The statement also condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities. It expressed serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, calling them a violation of international law and relevant IAEA resolutions.

It added that nuclear safeguards, safety and security must always be upheld, including in armed conflicts, to protect people and the environment from harm.

Who attended the BRICS summit in New Delhi?

Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking Saturday at the opening of the two-day summit, said the Middle East war "does not serve the common interests of the international community," according to state news agency Xinhua.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian all attended. UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi were also present, with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expected to join later on Saturday.

What else did BRICS leaders agree on?

The joint statement noted the current global context of polarisation and distrust and encouraged global action to strengthen international peace and security. It stressed the need to work together to maintain the smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy, in accordance with applicable international law.

BRICS was created in 2009 as a forum for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in institutions dominated by Western powers.