BRICS energy-security call in New Delhi Declaration reflects dilemma amid West Asia conflict

Source: The Indian Express | Original Published At: 2026-09-12 14:34:09 UTC

Key Points

• The New Delhi Declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit recognized energy security as central to economic development, national security, and global welfare.
• BRICS members called for energy market stability, undisrupted flows of energy from diverse sources, resilience of value chains, and protection of critical energy infrastructure, including cross-border infrastructure.
• The declaration expressed deep concern over the West Asia conflict and urged restraint, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect for sovereignty, and international cooperation to maintain smooth trade, supply chains, and energy flows.
• The statement avoided naming any country or specific attacks, reflecting the difficulty of consensus among BRICS members with differing positions and stakes in the conflict.
• Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, and pressure on Red Sea shipping routes have tightened global energy supply and pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel.
• BRICS members are directly affected: Russia’s energy infrastructure has been damaged, China and India are major energy importers, Iran is a principal party to the conflict, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE are major exporters.