BRICS leaders urge maximum restraint in Middle East during New Delhi summit

Unanimous declaration on regional escalation

The 11 member nations of the BRICS group adopted a joint declaration on 12 September 2026 during the opening day of their two-day summit in New Delhi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that the text received unanimous approval across the forum. In the communique, member states registered strong concern over the military escalation taking place across the Middle East. The statement accounted for the different national stances of member governments while urging all involved parties to de-escalate. Leaders specifically appealed for an immediate halt to measures that could worsen the situation in the region.

Observing our respective national positions, we urge maximum restraint as well as the avoidance of actions that might worsen the situation.

Chinese peacemaking proposal and Global South role

Chinese President Xi Jinping used his arrival and formal address in New Delhi to advocate for an active diplomatic role for the bloc. According to reporting from China Central Television, Xi stated that the war in the Middle East does not serve the common interests of the international community. He called on BRICS partners to oppose violations of state sovereignty, work toward preserving peace, and establish joint mediation initiatives. In his opening address, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the broader structural role of developing countries in international affairs. Modi stated that the Global South finds itself on the front line of global crises while remaining on the back line of decision-making bodies.

Iranian statements on regional security

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the New Delhi conference, addressing foreign involvement in the Middle East. During discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Pezeshkian stated that the region does not need a gendarme, referring directly to the United States. He contended that external interventions undermine regional stability and insisted that local powers must oversee security frameworks independently.

The territorial integrity and security of the region can only be guaranteed by the key actors and the countries that make it up.

Diplomatic contact despite trade and security divides

The summit in New Delhi brought together countries that maintain contrasting approaches to Iran and regional commerce. China and Russia continue regular commercial transactions with Tehran despite repeated threats of economic sanctions from Donald Trump. In contrast, the United Arab Emirates suspended financial and commercial transactions with Iran in August 2026 after being targeted by Iranian missiles. Despite that formal suspension, Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conducted direct talks on the sidelines of the summit. The Iranian embassy in India published photographs on social media platform X showing the two leaders sitting side by side during their meeting.

Summit format and member participation

The annual New Delhi summit brings together the expanded BRICS membership, which encompasses Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The forum includes established member states alongside recently admitted Middle Eastern and African nations with divergent foreign policy positions. The first day concluded with the adoption of the Middle East declaration alongside consultations on multilateral cooperation. Delegation leaders will conclude the two-day gathering following further closed-door working sessions in the Indian capital.