Foreign ministers from the BRICS bloc gathered in New Delhi on Thursday as growing tensions in the Middle East and rising oil prices dominated discussions at the high-level meeting.
India, which currently chairs the expanded BRICS alliance, warned that ongoing global conflicts are creating serious economic uncertainty and worsening energy insecurity, especially for developing countries.
Opening the meeting, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the world was facing a period of “considerable flux” driven by war, trade disruptions and economic instability.
“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” Jaishankar said.
“Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology and climate are shaping the global landscape,” he added before closed-door talks began.
Among those attending the two-day summit are Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The ongoing Iran war and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have become major concerns for BRICS nations, particularly energy-importing economies like India.
The strategic waterway, which carries a significant share of the world’s oil supply, has faced repeated blockages since fighting erupted earlier this year.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, normally receives about half of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
The instability has forced New Delhi to look for alternative suppliers to ease pressure on fuel supplies and the wider economy.
According to shipping and import data, India has increased purchases of Russian crude oil after earlier attempts to reduce dependence due to U.S. pressure and tariffs.
Jaishankar held separate talks with Lavrov on Wednesday evening, with discussions focusing on energy cooperation, trade and investment.
“Our political cooperation is even more valuable in an uncertain and volatile global environment,” Jaishankar said after the meeting.
Expanded BRICS Faces Internal Divisions
The BRICS group originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa has expanded significantly in recent years as emerging economies seek greater influence in global affairs.
The bloc now includes Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia.
However, analysts say deep divisions remain within the alliance, especially over the Middle East conflict and relations with Western powers.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi was absent from the meeting as Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing for a separate summit.
Officials have not confirmed whether the BRICS ministers will issue a joint statement at the end of the talks, reflecting the delicate balance among members with competing geopolitical interests.
India is expected to host a full BRICS leaders’ summit later this year, where discussions around energy security, global trade and the Iran crisis are likely to remain high on the agenda.
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