BRICS Summit Opens Amid Ongoing US-Iran Conflict

China and Russia are hosting the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India, as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues for over six months. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a permanent ceasefire, opposing 'sovereignty violations' and 'interference in internal affairs.' The presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has drawn attention to the potential joint message BRICS may deliver towards the U.S.

According to reports from AP and Reuters, the 18th BRICS summit commenced on September 12 at the Bharat Mandapam International Convention Center in New Delhi and will run for two days until September 13.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS, with both Xi and Putin attending in person. Raisi, whose country is currently at war with the U.S., also made the trip to New Delhi. The three leaders gathered again following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, at the end of last month.

Key topics at this summit include the Iran conflict, trade, food and energy security, and supply chain development. On the first day, the leaders held a closed-door meeting focused on 'inclusive global cooperation and strengthening multilateralism.'

In his speech, Xi emphasized the Middle East issue, stating, "We must oppose Cold War mentality and bloc confrontations, as well as violations of other countries' sovereignty and interference in their internal affairs." He added that BRICS should play a proper role in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

He further stated, "The war in the Middle East has caused serious harm to the people of the region and does not align with the common interests of the international community," urging all parties involved to adhere to a political resolution and pursue a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. Although he did not directly mention the U.S., his remarks were interpreted as aimed at the country engaged in conflict with Iran.

There is also significant interest in a joint response from BRICS. Reuters reported, citing multiple sources, that member countries have agreed to adopt a joint statement. This statement is expected to condemn unilateral wars without naming specific countries.

However, differing interests among member states present a challenge. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a BRICS member, has faced missile attacks from Iran since the war began following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Crafting language on Middle Eastern issues that both Iran and the UAE can accept is seen as a key task for this summit.

Raisi reaffirmed Iran's stance at a separate event in New Delhi, stating, "The Iranian people will not surrender to the U.S." Putin also criticized Western nations, including the U.S., during the BRICS Business Forum, saying, "Western countries are using all means to regain their past dominance."

In the economic and technological sectors, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a new area for cooperation. Xi proposed the 'BRICS AI-based New Industrialization Initiative' and suggested expanding cooperation on AI and industrial and supply chains among member countries. He also requested BRICS nations to participate in the global AI cooperation organization initiated by China.

Xi announced that China will assume the BRICS presidency next year and host the 19th summit. He emphasized that BRICS should continue to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, finance, and science and technology, and expand its role in safeguarding the common interests of the Global South.