Heads of delegation of BRICS countries during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s address at the third session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi. Photo credit: PIB via PTI
A two-day meeting of foreign ministers from the BRICS nations concluded in New Delhi on Friday (May 15, 2026) without a joint statement because of “differing views among some members” on the situation in West Asia, host India said.
The differences highlighted the challenge of maintaining unity within the bloc as it seeks to expand its influence.
The Indian statement said members expressed “their respective national positions and shared a range of perspectives” on issues including sovereignty, maritime security and the protection of civilian infrastructure and civilian lives in the West Asia.
It also included a footnote saying that “a member had reservations” about parts of sections dealing with Gaza and security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.
Divisions among member have become more visible during the Iran war, particularly between Iran and the UAE.
On Thursday (May 14, 2026), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged BRICS nations to condemn the U.S. and Israel over what he described as their “unlawful aggression.” He also called on member states to resist what he called the “politicisation of international institutions”.
Published – May 15, 2026 04:17 pm IST
