BRICS leaders voice concern over Middle East, condemn unilateral sanctions at India summit

Key Points:

• The BRICS summit in New Delhi expressed concern over rising Middle East tensions and condemned unilateral sanctions not authorized by the U.N., implicitly criticizing U.S. and Israeli actions on Iranian nuclear facilities.
• The group, now expanded to 11 members, aims to strengthen the Global South’s voice in global governance and reduce Western dominance, with leaders advocating for reforms like expanding the U.N. Security Council to better represent developing countries.
• Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized multipolarity and opposition to Western-led sanctions and tariffs, while Iran pushed for increased use of national currencies within BRICS to lessen reliance on Western financial systems.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that BRICS is not intended to counter the West and proposed initiatives like a seafarers' network, while balancing strategic ties with Russia, Iran, the U.S., and Europe amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
• The summit also serves as a platform for India and China to potentially ease bilateral tensions, with Modi and Xi expected to hold talks aimed at consolidating a diplomatic thaw following previous border conflicts.