• BRICS diplomats failed to agree on a joint statement during their meeting in New Delhi.
• Iran's call for condemnation of U.S.-Israeli actions was not supported by all members.
• The meeting exposed significant divisions, particularly between Iran and the UAE.
• India emphasized the need for dialogue and unity among developing nations.
• The conflict in the Middle East is impacting several BRICS nations economically and politically.

The two-day BRICS meeting in New Delhi ended without a joint statement, highlighting significant internal divisions over the ongoing war in Iran. Host India stated that "there were differing views among some members" regarding the conflict in the Middle East, which reflects the challenges the bloc faces in maintaining unity as it expands its influence, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, urged BRICS member states to condemn what he termed “violations of international law by the United States and Israel,” emphasizing the need for solidarity among developing nations against this backdrop of geopolitical strife, as reported by Los Angeles Times and Al Jazeera.

Despite these calls, a BRICS member, reportedly the UAE, blocked parts of the statement regarding the war, with Araqchi noting that “we have no difficulty with that certain country” while clarifying that attacks were focused on U.S. military sites, not Gulf states. The UAE's representative, Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar, responded by accusing Iran of justifying terrorist actions against the UAE, underlining the rising tensions, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Los Angeles Times.

The BRICS alliance consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE, all of which were affected by the repercussions of the Middle East conflict as highlighted by India's statement. The foreign ministers discussed the importance of upholding international law and maritime security, particularly concerning civilian protection amid rising military actions, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The meeting also addressed the situation in Gaza, reaffirming its status as an inseparable part of the occupied Palestinian territory. However, one member expressed reservations about the wording, indicating yet another point of discord within the group, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

In light of these discussions, India, currently the chair of BRICS for 2026, emphasized calls for the developing world to unite against global challenges, mirroring the bloc's vision of promoting a multipolar world that reflects the aspirations of the Global South, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.