Delhi decked up with posters, lights ahead of BRICS Summit 2026 (Img: DD)
New Delhi: The growing conflict in West Asia has emerged as a major diplomatic challenge for the BRICS grouping ahead of its summit in the national capital. With leaders of key emerging economies set to gather, officials are working behind the scenes to find common ground on the sensitive issue.
BRICS representatives, known as sherpas, are engaged in discussions to prepare a joint declaration that can accommodate the views of all member countries. The differences have become more visible due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the varied interests of nations within the bloc.
The expansion of BRICS has brought together countries with different foreign policy priorities. The inclusion of nations such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE has increased the group’s influence but has also made consensus-building more complex.
While some members have strong positions on the West Asia conflict, others are focusing on maintaining diplomatic balance and protecting economic interests, including energy security and global trade stability.
As the host of the summit, India faces the challenge of maintaining unity among members while ensuring that geopolitical disputes do not overshadow the broader agenda of BRICS.
New Delhi is expected to focus on areas such as economic cooperation, reforms in global institutions, development partnerships and strengthening the voice of emerging economies.
The summit will also highlight India’s role as a bridge between nations with different strategic interests.
The New Delhi meeting comes at a crucial time for BRICS, which has expanded its membership and global influence in recent years. However, internal differences over international conflicts could test the group’s ability to present a united front.
The outcome of the summit will indicate whether BRICS can overcome geopolitical differences and emerge as a stronger platform for cooperation in a changing global order.
