Brics declaration unlikely to name any nation but condemn unilateral war imposition: Report

NEW DELHI: Brics countries on Saturday reached an agreement on a joint declaration that is "unlikely to name any country but will condemn unilateral war by any nation," Reuters reported on Saturday, citing four sources.The agreement came after intensive negotiations aimed at bridging differences among the grouping’s members, particularly Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which have taken opposing positions in the Gulf conflict.The leaders of the 11-member bloc are expected to approve the declaration later on Saturday, the sources said.The development assumes significance as the Brics summit is being held amid escalating tensions in West Asia and renewed tit-for-tat strikes between the United States and Iran. The conflict followed a pause in fighting through much of August, while Iran-aligned Houthi rebels strengthened their position in the Red Sea region.Foreign policy experts had identified the wording on the Middle East crisis as a key test for the summit. A joint statement would need to accommodate the positions of both Abu Dhabi and Tehran.Although the declaration is unlikely to immediately alter the geopolitical situation, experts said it could demonstrate unity among emerging economies and opposition to economically damaging measures such as Western sanctions.Brics foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi in May had failed to issue a joint statement because of differences between Iran and the UAE.The grouping is seeking a stronger role in shaping international rules and has called for reforms in institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization, which some members believe are dominated by Western powers.Leaders attending the summit include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.India, which maintains relations with the United States, Russia, Israel, Iran and the Gulf Arab states, is also seeking to deepen trade cooperation, reduce barriers and expand business opportunities among BRICS members.The Brics grouping comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Its partner countries include Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.The bloc was established in 2009 and represents more than 40% of the world’s population and nearly a quarter of the global economy.India is hosting the 18th Brics Summit in New Delhi under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”India began its fourth Brics chairship on January 1, having previously chaired the grouping in 2012, 2016 and 2021. The year 2026 also marks 20 years since Brics was established.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.