The Iran war reveals the limits of BRICS

The recent BRICS summit in New Delhi highlighted the bloc's struggle to translate its economic influence into unified geopolitical action, particularly concerning the US-Israel war on Iran. Despite the conflict affecting many members, the summit's declaration did not directly address it or condemn the United States. This reflects the challenge of coordinating diverse national interests within the expanded BRICS, as seen in the foreign ministers' earlier failure to agree on a common stance. Members like India, China, and Russia have varying strategic relationships with the US, preventing BRICS from becoming an anti-American bloc. The group's diversity, while a source of legitimacy, creates a "polycentric trap" hindering collective geopolitical action.

The 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from Iran, Russia, and China amidst escalating global tensions. Iranian President Pezeshkian will discuss trade, energy, and regional developments with Indian Prime Minister Modi, seeking membership in the BRICS New Development Bank amid U.S. sanctions. Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit marks a cautious thaw in India-China relations after a 2020 border clash, with economic engagement on the agenda. Russian President Putin will focus on energy and defense with Modi, his first trip to India since the Ukraine war began. The summit is a significant test for India, balancing competing interests from major powers and navigating regional rivalries to promote Global South priorities.

At a recent summit in Delhi, leaders from the Brics group, including those from India, China, Russia, Iran, and the UAE, gathered. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that these nations should become "rule-shapers" rather than "rule-takers," signaling a desire for a new global order. While the summit demonstrated India's diplomatic capabilities in bringing together these disparate nations, it also highlighted divisions within the group. Members like China, Russia, and Iran see Brics as a way to counter Western influence. However, agreeing on the specifics of a new global order and achieving tangible outcomes proved challenging, with underlying tensions evident among the participants, who have histories of disputes and even military confrontations.

The BRICS summit in New Delhi, hosted by India, aims to bolster the bloc's profile amidst divisions among members, particularly concerning the US-led attacks on Iran. BRICS, formed to challenge the Western-led global order, has expanded to include countries like Iran, the UAE, and others. While analysts note BRICS has fostered a more multipolar world and provided a platform for Global South countries, it has struggled to create a coherent alternative to Western institutions. Some experts argue BRICS' success lies not in replacing the West, but in making Western dominance harder to exercise. The bloc's core priorities remain economic development and greater autonomy from Western influence, rather than overthrowing the existing international order.

Leaders from eleven Brics nations, including host India, China, and Russia, are meeting in Delhi to discuss various issues. Despite the US not being a member, President Trump's policies, such as those concerning Iran and tariffs, are significantly impacting global energy markets and the economy, casting a shadow over the summit. However, a united response or a consensus statement directly challenging US policies is unlikely due to divisions within the Brics bloc. India, seeking a trade deal with the US, and China, potentially wary of appearing to target Washington, are expected to favor vague and indirect criticism. Russia and Iran may advocate for a stronger stance, but divergent national interests will likely prevent a coordinated strategy against US actions.

Leaders from major emerging economies are meeting in New Delhi this weekend for a summit celebrating the 20th anniversary of Brics. Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, are attending this significant gathering. While Brics has achieved growing influence and championed the Global South over two decades, internal divisions are reportedly posing a challenge to its continued progress. This summit marks a key moment for the bloc as it reflects on its past growth and navigates future development amidst these internal dynamics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS summit, where he will meet with leaders from India, Russia, and Iran. The two-day summit is expected to be dominated by discussions on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, global trade turbulence, and energy security. Xi's visit, his first to India since 2019, is also significant as it marks a step in the improving, though still cautious, relationship between China and India, who share a long-standing territorial dispute. Both nations maintain military deployments along their border, and discussions between Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are anticipated to address the border issue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in New Delhi for an 11-member BRICS summit. The summit, taking place over two days, is expected to be dominated by discussions on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, alongside economic challenges. Putin is scheduled to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also anticipated to meet with Modi on the sidelines of the meeting. BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, presenting differing stances on the conflict involving Israel and Iran.