BRICS foreign-minister talks end without a joint statement as divisions over the Iran war widen
The BRICS foreign-ministers meeting hosted by India closed without a joint statement, as members failed to bridge their differences over the Iran war. Russia, China and Brazil pushed for an immediate call to halt the war, while India and Egypt preferred a more cautious wording, according to delegates. The bloc's continued enlargement now faces new questions.
The BRICS foreign-ministers meeting hosted by India ended without a joint statement after delegates were unable to bridge differences over the Iran war. According to officials quoted by Al Jazeera, Russia, China and Brazil pushed for an explicit call to end the conflict immediately, while host India and recent entrant Egypt favoured more cautious language.
Discussions also covered shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices and Iran's relations with non-regional powers. Some members tabled proposals on offering an economic corridor to Iran, while India reiterated its preference for what it calls a 'balanced' foreign-policy posture. The latest US trade talks also shaped the backdrop.
The failure to issue a joint statement is being seen as a test of BRICS's claim to speak for the 'global South'. The next ministerial round is provisionally set for the second half of 2026, and decisions on additional member states have been deferred. Work on a common payments platform and on cross-currency trade between members will, however, continue at staff level.
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