India hosts BRICS summit as Iran war tests bloc unity - Reuters

**India Hosts BRICS Summit as Iran Conflict Tests Bloc Unity**

New Delhi opened its doors to the eighth BRICS leaders’ summit on Saturday, with the first session kicking off at 2:35 p.m. local time. The gathering, attended by heads of state and government from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is set to conclude on Sunday with the adoption of a “New Delhi Declaration.” Organisers imposed strict traffic restrictions across central and south Delhi, including temporary road closures near the Indira Gandhi International Airport, to ensure smooth movement of delegations and security personnel.

The summit’s agenda is dominated by the fallout from the ongoing war involving Iran, which has strained the bloc’s cohesion. BRICS sherpas have been working intensively behind the scenes to craft a joint statement that balances divergent positions on the Middle‑East crisis. According to *ThePrint*, Indian officials expressed confidence that a consensus can be reached, emphasizing the group’s principle of non‑interference while urging diplomatic dialogue to de‑escalate tensions.

Beyond the immediate geopolitical flashpoint, the summit also spotlights the bloc’s expansion drive, with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other candidates slated for membership. Analysts at *The Quint* note that India’s role is increasingly delicate: it must navigate its strategic partnership with China and Russia while maintaining constructive ties with Western economies. The outcomes of the New Delhi summit could therefore shape not only BRICS’ collective stance on the Iran war but also the future balance of power in the emerging multi‑polar world order.

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