India has conceded that forging a unified BRICS stance on the escalating West Asia conflict remains challenging, pointing to “differing views” among member states. New Delhi says it is continuing diplomatic engagement to narrow these gaps and work toward consensus within the group.
But individual countries have made their views on the war known. Here is how the founding BRICS countries responded to the conflict:
Brazil calls for ceasefire in Iran war, alongside Mexico and Colombia
Mexico, Brazil and Colombia called for a ceasefire in the Middle East, as the United States and Israel’s war in Iran entered a third week.
In a joint statement, the three Latin American countries called for a pause to the fighting in Iran, where U.S. and Israeli forces continue their air assault after the killing of the country’s supreme leader.
Russia calls on Israel and US to end the Iran war
“Russia will continue to take steps to end the escalation in the Middle East as soon as possible and resolve any contradictions by peaceful means,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.
India calls for “restraint” in Iran conflict
The Ministry of External Affairs called on all parties to “exercise restraint” and “avoid escalation”. It said “dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued” and that “sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected.” The statement came several days after the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Israel and hailed their “vital” partnership.
China warns ‘flames of war’ spreading
China’s top diplomat cast his country as a defender of peace and stability as war in Iran rages, while striking a conciliatory tone towards the United States ahead of a highly anticipated summit between the two nation’s leaders.
South Africa rejects US pressure to distance itself from Iran
South Africa has no reason to cut ties with Iran, its director general of foreign affairs said, after the new U.S. ambassador was quoted as saying the country’s association with the Islamic Republic was an impediment to good relations with Washington.
India’s BRICS presidency faces diplomatic test amid Middle East tensions
Writing in India Narrative, former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal described the unfolding conflict as an “unwanted war” that is already straining India’s ties across West Asia. He noted that India’s role as BRICS chair will require delicate balancing, particularly given the alliance’s diverse geopolitical alignments.
