BRICS Without a Common Line: Middle East Crisis Divides the Global South

Source: Το Βήμα Online | Original Published At: 2026-05-19 15:15:30 UTC

Key Points

• The two-day BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi ended without a joint communiqué due to differing positions among members on the Middle East.
• The war involving Iran overshadowed the talks, with visible friction particularly between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
• Despite disputes, members reiterated calls to reform global governance institutions, including the UN system, to increase Global South representation.
• Ministers discussed Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Syria, with broad agreement on key principles but reservations from at least one member on wording.
• Energy disruptions linked to conflict around the Strait of Hormuz were highlighted as a major concern for several BRICS economies.
• The meeting served as preparatory diplomacy for the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September under India’s presidency.