BRICS summit in New Delhi urges restraint as Middle East war drags on

Leaders of the BRICS grouping gathered in New Delhi on Saturday, issuing a joint statement that called for "maximum restraint" amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. Xi Jinping warned that the conflict "does not serve the common interests of the international community", while other heads of state echoed the plea for calm.

Why the summit matters

The bloc accounts for roughly half the world’s population, 40 % of global GDP and a quarter of international trade, making its collective voice a significant counterweight to Western‑led institutions. Yet foreign ministers failed to agree on a statement earlier in the month, split over the war that began after US‑Israeli strikes on 28 February. India’s host role was crucial in bridging those gaps, underscoring the country’s growing diplomatic clout.

The joint communiqué read: "We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East/West Asia and call for exercising maximum restraint, as well as avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation."

"Although our two countries are different in many respects, they are fully capable of complementing each other's strengths, supporting one another, achieving mutual success and advancing together," said Xi Jinping in a video released from the summit.

India’s diplomatic tightrope

Narendra Modi opened the two‑day meeting by reminding attendees that the bloc represents 50 % of the world’s people and 40 % of global output. He highlighted India’s delicate balancing act: maintaining friendly ties with both Iran and the United States, while also deepening energy cooperation with Russia. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that the region does not need the United States to act as a "regional policeman", a sentiment echoed in side‑meeting talks with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince.

China‑India relations in focus

The summit marked Xi Jinping's first visit to neighbouring India since 2019, a symbolic step in a cautious thaw between the two nuclear powers. Both sides reiterated a commitment to resolve their long‑standing border dispute peacefully, despite a 3,500‑kilometre frontier that remains heavily militarised. Protesters, including Tibetan exiles, demonstrated outside the venue, reflecting lingering tensions.

Looking ahead, the bloc is likely to pursue a more coordinated stance on energy security and trade, while navigating divergent national interests. Continued unity could bolster BRICS’ influence in global forums, whereas persistent splits may limit its ability to shape outcomes on issues such as the Middle East conflict, Ukraine and climate policy.

For a deeper look at how wars and US tensions are testing the group's cohesion, see the related analysis BRICS leaders gather in India as wars and US tensions test unity.