Middle East crisis: BRICS countries display their divisions after a tense meeting in New Delhi

The deep divisions among the BRICS countries over the Middle East crisis were laid bare on Friday in New Delhi. Following the group's annual meeting of foreign ministers, India issued a simple statement from the chairmanship rather than a joint communiqué, an unusual sign of the persistent disagreements among the organization's members.

The Indian government acknowledged the existence of "differences of opinion" regarding the situation in the Gulf and, more broadly, in the Middle East. No specific details were given on the points of contention, but this inability to adopt a common position highlights the sometimes conflicting interests of the powers that now comprise the expanded BRICS.

The group now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as several new members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. The recent integration of countries directly involved in or heavily affected by regional tensions has complicated diplomatic discussions within the bloc.

The presence of Iran and the United Arab Emirates at the same table illustrates the delicate balance that the BRICS must now manage. Some members maintain close strategic relations with Tehran, while others seek to preserve their economic and security ties with the Gulf states or Western powers.

This meeting in New Delhi was initially intended to allow the BRICS to demonstrate their unity in the face of major international crises and to strengthen their diplomatic influence on the world stage. However, the lack of a joint statement underscores the group's difficulties in speaking with one voice on the most sensitive geopolitical issues.

Despite these tensions, the BRICS continue to present themselves as an alternative to institutions dominated by Western powers. The bloc seeks to increase its global economic and political influence, but internal disagreements over international conflicts could complicate this ambition as the organization expands.