BRICS nations urge ‘restraint’ in Middle East, smooth flow of global trade - Al Jazeera

**BRICS Nations Call for Restraint in the Middle East and Uninterrupted Global Trade**

New Delhi hosted the 2026 BRICS summit, where the member states—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—issued a joint declaration urging “restraint” in the volatile Middle East and emphasizing the need to keep the flow of global trade unhindered. Citing the region’s pivotal role in energy supplies and shipping routes, the declaration warned that any escalation could “undermine the stability of international markets and threaten the livelihoods of millions.” The statement, reported by *Al Jazeera*, also reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to “zero tolerance for terrorism,” a phrase that appeared alongside a reference to the historic Pahalgam peace dialogue, underscoring the group’s broader security concerns.

The New Delhi declaration marked a noticeable shift in tone toward the United States, Iran, and Israel. As highlighted by *India Today*, the document explicitly “slammed” U.S. policies that it said “fuel instability,” while simultaneously “backing Iran’s right to defend its sovereign interests.” It also called out Israel for actions perceived as “disproportionate,” positioning BRICS as a counterweight to what it described as Western double standards. Analysts cited in *Vajiram & Ravi* note that India appears to be steering the bloc toward a more assertive foreign‑policy stance, leveraging its chairmanship to push for reforms of the United Nations Security Council—a long‑standing BRICS agenda item.

Notably, the declaration omitted any reference to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a departure from previous joint statements that had condemned Russian aggression. *ThePrint* points out that this silence may signal a strategic recalibration aimed at preserving unity among the diverse members, especially as Russia faces heightened sanctions. The absence of the Ukraine issue, coupled with the firm language on the Middle East, underscores the evolving priorities within BRICS and highlights the diplomatic balancing act that India must navigate as it seeks to champion both multilateralism and its national interests.