BRICS leaders call for restraint in Middle East conflict at New Delhi summit

At a summit in New Delhi on Saturday, leaders of the 11‑nation BRICS bloc—including China, Russia, Iran and host India—issued a joint statement calling for calm in the Middle East. The declaration marked a notable shift after earlier sessions revealed divisions among members over how to address the escalating violence in the region.

The statement, signed by representatives from Brazil, South Africa, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other partners, urged all parties to exercise restraint, resume diplomatic negotiations and avoid actions that could further destabilize the area. It also highlighted the broader economic repercussions of prolonged conflict and called for international cooperation to protect civilian lives. By reaching consensus, the BRICS group signaled a coordinated diplomatic stance that could shape future multilateral efforts to de‑escalate tensions in the Middle East.