BRICS Leaders Convene in New Delhi Amid Global Conflicts and U.S. Tensions

Leaders of the BRICS nations have convened in New Delhi for a summit addressing trade, investment, and global conflicts, as the bloc strives to expand its influence on the international stage. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and leaders from the organization’s other eight member states.

The gathering takes place against a backdrop of significant geopolitical strain, including ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, alongside escalating tensions between the United States and China. These challenges are testing the group’s ability to maintain cohesion among nations with divergent strategic interests. To ensure security, thousands of police and paramilitary officers have been deployed throughout New Delhi, with traffic restrictions implemented around the summit venue.

Founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and later joined by South Africa in 2010, BRICS now comprises 11 members. The coalition represents approximately half of the world’s population and a substantial portion of global economic output, frequently advocating for greater representation of developing nations in international institutions.

Discussions are expected to cover economic cooperation, energy, food security, technology, supply chains, and reforms to global financial structures. A primary objective remains reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar, with members promoting the use of national currencies in trade and seeking alternatives to Western-dominated financial systems.

Putin, speaking at the BRICS Business Forum on Friday, emphasized that the group is not opposed to any specific country but is focused on protecting its own interests. Similarly, President Pezeshkian highlighted the importance of expanding trade in national currencies to shield members from economic pressure, particularly given Iran’s current sanctions and blockade.

For India, the summit underscores its delicate balancing act between maintaining strategic partnerships with Russia and Iran while deepening ties with the U.S. and Europe. Prime Minister Modi held separate meetings with Putin and Pezeshkian on Friday. India is also anticipating talks between Modi and Xi Jinping later on Saturday, aimed at consolidating a diplomatic thaw following border tensions that escalated in 2020.

A key challenge for the Indian chairmanship is securing a unified joint statement from the leaders. Previous attempts, such as the failure of foreign ministers to agree on a statement regarding the Iran war in May, highlight the difficulties in achieving consensus. The bloc’s unity is further tested by fears that the conflict in the Middle East, triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, may expand amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.