At the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, leaders from ten member nations adopted a joint declaration expressing deep concern over escalating conflicts in the Middle East. They called for maximum restraint and emphasized the importance of a multilateral approach to conflict resolution.
The declaration, released on September 13, 2026, comes as hostilities between the US and Iran resume, following a brief lull in August. BRICS includes both Iran and key US ally, the United Arab Emirates, making consensus on such statements particularly complex.
We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East...call for exercising maximum restraint...avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation.
New Delhi Declaration
The BRICS leaders have reiterated their commitment to resolving international disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. This stance highlights the bloc's collective desire to mediate rather than exacerbate tensions.
- BRICS members include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE.
- The declaration also addressed concerns about unilateral trade measures that distort commerce, particularly in light of US sanctions against Iran and Russia.
The collective call for restraint reflects a growing recognition among BRICS nations of the need for stability in a region marked by conflict. This approach may also signal a shift towards more unified actions among non-Western powers in global geopolitics.