BRICS talks end without joint statement, exposing divisions over war in Iran

Top diplomats from BRICS nations, including rivals Iran and the United Arab Emirates, failed to issue a joint statement on Friday after a two-day meeting in Delhi.

Host India released only a chair's statement, which exposed deep divisions over the US-Israeli war on Iran. Reuters reported the breakdown after talks concluded at the two-day meeting.

Why did BRICS talks end without a joint statement?

Iran wanted BRICS to formally condemn the US-Israeli war on Iran and accused the UAE of direct military involvement against it.

The UAE blocked parts of the statement, according to Iran. India, as chair, acknowledged "differing views among some members as regards the situation in the West Asia/Middle East region."

What did Iran and the UAE say at the Delhi meeting?

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told reporters that a BRICS member had blocked sections of the joint statement, without naming the UAE directly.

He said Iran had only struck American military bases and installations located on UAE soil, and had not targeted the UAE itself. He added that he hoped relations would improve before the BRICS leaders' summit later this year.

The UAE rejected Iran's framing firmly. Deputy Foreign Minister Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar said the UAE had faced repeated Iranian "terrorist attacks" since February 28, targeting civilian and critical infrastructure.

He accused Iran of obstructing international maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and said the UAE was fully capable of deterring what he called "unprovoked aggression."

The UAE foreign ministry also issued a statement categorically rejecting Iran's allegations and what it described as attempts to justify attacks on UAE soil. It reserved what it called full sovereign, legal, diplomatic and military rights to respond to any threat.

What did the BRICS chair's statement say?

India's chair statement said member countries had expressed their respective national positions and shared a range of perspectives. These included calls for an early resolution of the crisis, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the importance of safe maritime commerce through international waterways. Protecting civilian infrastructure and lives also featured in the discussions.

On Gaza, the statement said BRICS ministers recalled that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Ministers also flagged the importance of unifying the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority.

One member had reservations on aspects of the Gaza section, the statement noted, without naming the country.

India's statement, issued in its capacity as the bloc's 2026 chair, called on the developing world to stay united to tackle global challenges. It said BRICS members highlighted the importance of the Global South as a driver of positive change. The grouping brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran and the UAE.

How is the Middle East conflict affecting India?

India has been caught in the crossfire as the world's third-largest oil importer. Iran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally flows, has hit India hard.

Iranian attacks have been linked to the deaths of at least three Indian personnel in the waterway, and an India-flagged ship was sunk this week as Araqchi flew to Delhi for the talks.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attacks on the UAE during a short visit there on Friday. "The way the UAE was targeted is unacceptable in any form," he said. He also praised the UAE for the restraint and courage it had shown under difficult circumstances.