BRICS ministers gather in India as Iran ceasefire holds

Senior diplomats from BRICS nations met in India’s capital New Delhi on Thursday as geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict continued to shape international diplomacy. The two-day summit comes during an ongoing ceasefire between Iran and the US following weeks of regional escalation that disrupted global energy markets and heightened security concerns across the Middle East.

Expanded BRICS bloc holds strategic talks

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hosted foreign ministers and senior officials from the expanded BRICS alliance, which now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran. Officials said the discussions would focus on international security, economic coordination and shared geopolitical challenges.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi joined the meetings in New Delhi as Tehran continues diplomatic engagement following the conflict that began on Feb. 28. The war triggered instability in oil markets and increased concern over maritime security near the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy corridor closely watched by countries including Türkiye.

China absent as Beijing hosts Trump summit

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi did not attend the gathering because Beijing is simultaneously hosting US President Donald Trump for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The parallel diplomatic events highlighted the growing importance of both BRICS cooperation and US-China relations in shaping global politics.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to meet collectively with BRICS representatives during the summit. A joint declaration is anticipated after Friday’s sessions, with member states expected to address regional crises, trade cooperation and reforms to global governance institutions.

Focus on financial alternatives and Global South influence

BRICS countries have increasingly promoted efforts to reduce dependence on the US dollar and strengthen alternative financial mechanisms. The bloc also seeks greater representation for developing nations within international institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers.

Under India’s 2026 BRICS presidency theme — “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” — officials are expected to emphasize economic resilience, energy security and strategic coordination among emerging economies. Collectively, BRICS members account for more than 40% of the global population and nearly one-third of global economic output.