The formulation of a common position within BRICS on the Iran-US conflict was affected because some members of the group are involved in developments in West Asia, people familiar with the matter said on Friday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araqchi had stressed the role of BRICS, currently led by India, in playing a constructive role to support security and stability in the region during a phone call with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday evening.
India is talking to all BRICS members about the situation in West Asia “so that a consensual position can be developed,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at a press conference on Friday.
Obstacles have arisen in these discussions because some BRICS members are “directly involved” in the situation in West Asia, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity.
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“This influenced the formulation of a consensus on a common position of the BRICS countries on the ongoing conflict,” one person said.
Besides Iran, which joined BRICS in January 2024, the UAE is also indirectly involved in the conflict.
The sources said that India, as chair of BRICS, is facilitating discussions among members of the group through the Sherpa channel. The last virtual BRICS Sherpa meeting was held on March 12, they said.
In addition, the Indian leadership is communicating with leaders of BRICS members in the region. They said India will continue these engagements.
The BRICS countries have not yet issued any statement on developments in West Asia. India is expected to host the BRICS summit in the third quarter of this year.
