BRICS Leaders Unite for Peace Amid Middle East Tensions

In a significant move towards diplomatic unity, the BRICS nations convened in New Delhi on Saturday, calling for restraint in the escalating Middle East conflict. The summit, attended by leaders from China, Russia, India, Iran, and other member states, concluded with a joint statement urging calm amidst a backdrop of previous discord.

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the detrimental impact of the ongoing war, stating it does not align with the interests of the international community. This united front is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by the BRICS foreign ministers earlier this year, who struggled to produce a consensus amidst differing opinions on the conflict, notably from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Modi's Call for Collaboration

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting the summit, highlighted the bloc's significance, noting that BRICS nations represent half of the global population and a substantial share of the world economy. He underscored the need to transition from a hierarchy of privileges to a collaborative partnership among member states. The call for restraint was echoed in the joint statement, which expressed deep concern over rising tensions.

Diplomatic Maneuvering

The summit comes at a critical time, as leaders navigate the complexities of international relations. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed the need for the Middle East to operate independently of US influence while engaging with other regional powers. Modi's delicate balancing act involves maintaining strong ties with both Iran and Israel, as well as managing India's relationship with the United States amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

Xi's attendance marked a pivotal moment in Sino-Indian relations, his first visit to India since 2019, following a period of heightened military tensions. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving boundary disputes peacefully, while also advocating for cooperation in economic and strategic matters.

Source: www.dawn.com