BRICS Summit Fails: Iran-UAE Fight Stops Joint Statement

BRICS members could not agree on a joint statement for the first time. This is due to fighting between Iran and the UAE.
By Newsroom | Politics, International Relations |

NEW DELHI - Talks among member nations of the BRICS economic bloc concluded Friday without a unified declaration, a stark illustration of significant fractures within the group, primarily stemming from the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Host nation India issued a "chair's statement" acknowledging that consensus on aspects of the West Asia situation, specifically referencing Gaza, could not be achieved.

The inability to produce a joint statement highlights a deepening rift, with specific reservations lodged by at least one member regarding the text on Gaza. This impasse emerged despite the stated collective desire for a swift resolution to the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.

The group, now comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE, found its discussions complicated by direct military exchanges. Since the conflict's commencement on February 28, Iran has conducted multiple missile and drone strikes against the UAE.

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During a brief visit to the UAE on Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi explicitly condemned the attacks on the Gulf nation. Concurrently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, speaking at a press conference, pointed to unspecified BRICS member actions as a hindrance to finalizing a collective statement. Araqchi also reportedly accused the UAE of direct involvement in military operations against Iran, according to Iranian state media.

Amidst these tensions, Araqchi also conveyed to Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar a suggestion for ensuring safe passage for Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The divergence of views prevented the release of a common communiqué, leaving India, as the current chair, to release a document summarizing the proceedings and observations. This situation underscores the challenges BRICS faces in presenting a united front on critical geopolitical matters, particularly when direct bilateral conflicts among its members come to the fore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the BRICS summit not release a joint statement on Friday?
The BRICS summit ended on Friday without a joint statement because member nations could not agree. This was mainly due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Q: What was the main disagreement about at the BRICS summit?
The main disagreement was about the situation in West Asia, specifically concerning Gaza. India, as the host, could not get all members to agree on the text about Gaza.
Q: What is the conflict between Iran and the UAE?
Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against the UAE since February 28. Iran has also accused the UAE of being involved in military actions against Iran.
Q: What did India's Prime Minister say about the conflict?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UAE on Friday and clearly spoke out against the attacks on the UAE. He also discussed safe passage for Indian ships with Iran's foreign minister.
Q: What did India do since a joint statement could not be made?
Since a joint statement could not be made, India, which was leading the summit, released a 'chair's statement'. This document summarized the meeting's discussions and observations.