Top Diplomats from BRICS Nations Fail to Reach Agreement on Key Issues in New Delhi
NEW DELHI: High-ranking diplomats from BRICS countries, which includes both Iran and the United Arab Emirates despite their rival ties, were unable to come to a consensus during a two-day meeting in Delhi. As a result, host nation India could only issue a chair’s statement that highlighted the group’s disagreements.
Iran’s government pushed for a strong condemnation of the U.S.-Israeli actions against it, asserting that the UAE was directly involved in military activities against them. Since conflict erupted on February 28, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on the UAE.
India’s official statement noted, “There were differing views among some members regarding the situation in the West Asia/Middle East region.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated that one BRICS member blocked parts of the joint statement, without specifically naming the UAE. He emphasized, “We have no issue with that particular country. Our targets have been American military bases on their territory.”
Araqchi expressed hope that by the time of the upcoming BRICS summit later this year, the countries would reach a better understanding, stating, “We must remember that we are neighbors, and we have lived together for centuries.”
In addition, while the UAE’s foreign ministry did not comment following the meeting, India indicated that the group discussed varying national viewpoints on the matter. This included calls for a quick resolution to the conflict, the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, and respect for national sovereignty.
The discussions also covered the need to uphold international law, ensure safe maritime trade, and protect civilian lives and infrastructure. The statement concluded by reaffirming that the Gaza Strip is a crucial part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and emphasized the necessity of unifying the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority, reinforcing the rights of the Palestinian people to establish their own state.
