India hosts BRICS summit as Iran war tests bloc unity - reuters.com

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

New Delhi became the epicentre of global diplomacy on Saturday as it opened the 15th BRICS summit, convening the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa at the iconic Taj Palace. The summit kicked off at 2:35 p.m. local time and is slated to conclude on Sunday with the adoption of a New Delhi declaration outlining the group’s priorities on trade, security and development cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is chairing the meeting, has framed the gathering as a chance for the emerging economies to deepen partnership while showcasing India’s growing stature as a convenor of major multilateral forums.

The summit arrives at a fraught moment for the bloc, as the escalating war involving Iran and its regional neighbours has strained internal consensus. BRICS Sherpas have been working around the clock to bridge divergent positions on the Middle‑East crisis, aiming to produce a joint statement that acknowledges the conflict without alienating any member. Indian officials expressed confidence that a balanced wording can be achieved, noting that the bloc’s principle of non‑interference and its emphasis on dialogue provide a framework for consensus even amid geopolitical turbulence.

To accommodate the influx of delegations and security arrangements, New Delhi authorities imposed temporary traffic restrictions, especially around key corridors linking the city’s central and southern airports. Commuters were advised to use designated routes and allow extra travel time, while police deployed additional personnel to manage crowd control around the summit venues. The logistical effort underscores India’s dual challenge: managing a high‑profile international event while maintaining its broader foreign‑policy balance, as analysts observe that New Delhi continues to cultivate ties with both the BRICS partnership and traditional Western allies such as the United States and the European Union.