US Israel Iran War Latest Update: Foreign ministers from the BRICS nations, including representatives from Iran and Russia, gathered in New Delhi on Thursday for a major two-day meeting focused on rising global tensions, economic instability, and energy security concerns.
India, which currently holds the BRICS chairmanship, hosted the meeting of the expanded bloc that now includes countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Several of these nations hold differing positions on the ongoing conflict launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.
US Israel Iran War Latest Update: India Warns of ‘Considerable Flux’ in Global Relations
Opening the summit, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar warned that the world is passing through a period of major uncertainty and instability. “We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” Jaishankar said before closed-door discussions began.
He noted that wars, economic instability, trade disruptions, technology competition, and climate-related challenges are rapidly reshaping the global order “Ongoing conflicts, econo mic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape,” Jaishankar added. According to him, many developing countries now expect BRICS to take on a stronger and more stabilising international role. “There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets and developing countries, that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising role.”
US Israel Iran War Latest Update:Â Iran Conflict and Fuel Crisis Dominate BRICS Discussions
The ongoing conflict involving Iran and the resulting fuel crisis have become central topics at the BRICS gathering. Disruptions in Gulf shipping routes and repeated blockades around the Strait of Hormuz have created major volatility in global oil and gas markets. These disruptions have especially affected energy-importing countries like India. India, which is the world’s third-largest oil importer, usually receives nearly half of its crude oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the continuing conflict has raised concerns over fuel availability, energy prices, and economic growth.
US Israel Iran War Latest Update:Â India Faces Rising Pressure Over Energy and Fertiliser Supplies
The Middle East conflict has increased pressure on India’s economy, which depends heavily on imported energy and fertilisers from the region. Jaishankar stressed that development-related concerns remain extremely important for many nations.
“Development issues remain central,” Jaishankar added. “Many countries continue to face challenges on energy, food, fertiliser and health security, as well as also access to finance.” The uncertainty caused by the war has also weakened confidence in India’s future economic growth outlook.
US Israel Iran War Latest Update:Â India Turns Back to Russian Oil Amid Supply Challenges
As disruptions continue in the Gulf region, India has started relying more heavily on Russian crude oil to meet domestic demand. Trade and shipping data show that New Delhi has expanded energy ties with older partners while also reopening supply channels that had previously slowed down.
Russia has emerged as India’s biggest alternative oil supplier, despite India earlier attempting to reduce dependence on Russian crude due to pressure from high US tariffs and geopolitical concerns.
US Israel Iran War Latest Update:Â Jaishankar Meets Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
On Wednesday evening, Jaishankar held a separate meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. During the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of political cooperation between India and Russia during uncertain times. “Our political cooperation is even more valuable in an uncertain and volatile global environment,” Jaishankar said. He added that discussions covered several important areas, including “trade and investment, energy and connectivity”.
US Israel Iran War Latest Update:Â Expanded BRICS Bloc Seeks Greater Global Influence
BRICS was originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as a platform for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in global institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers. Over the years, the bloc has expanded significantly to strengthen its political and economic role in global affairs. The group now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates.
US Israel Iran War Latest Update: China’s Foreign Minister Absent From BRICS Meeting
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was not present at the New Delhi meeting because Chinese President Xi Jinping was hosting US President Donald Trump in Beijing on Thursday. India is also preparing to host a BRICS leaders’ summit later this year. According to the Indian foreign ministry, the visiting foreign ministers are expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their stay.
US Israel Iran War Latest Update:Â Uncertainty Over Joint BRICS Statement
Despite the importance of the meeting, it remains unclear whether BRICS members will release a joint statement at the end of the summit because of deep divisions among member countries, particularly regarding the Middle East conflict and criticism of Western powers. When asked about the possibility of a joint declaration, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told reporters: “We will let you know as things progress.”
