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Foreign ministers from the expanded BRICS bloc gathered in New Delhi on May 14-15, 2026, for high-level talks overshadowed by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, rising tensions in West Asia, and growing concerns over global economic stability.

The meeting, held at Bharat Mandapam under India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship, served as a major preparatory event ahead of the full BRICS leaders’ summit later this year.

The discussions focused on regional security, economic cooperation, energy prices, food and fertilizer costs, trade disruptions, and the future role of BRICS in an increasingly multipolar world.

The gathering came at a time of heightened instability in the Gulf region following continued military tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The conflict has raised fears over disruptions to global oil supplies and shipping routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

India hosted representatives from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and several outreach partners, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

A family photo of the participating ministers was taken during the summit proceedings, symbolizing the bloc’s efforts to project unity despite growing internal differences.

प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने आज BRICS सम्मेलन में भाग लेने आए विदेश मंत्रियों से मुलाकात की.

इस वर्ष भारत BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meet की मेजबानी कर रहा है. उद्देश्य है वैश्विक सहयोग, व्यापार और सुरक्षा पर साझेदारी मजबूत करना.#BRICS2026 pic.twitter.com/onO7jrumpB

— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) May 14, 2026

Iran Pushes for Stronger BRICS Position

Much of the attention during the meeting centered on Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, whose participation marked one of Tehran’s highest-profile diplomatic engagements since the escalation of the conflict involving Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces.

Araghchi arrived in India amid intense international scrutiny and used the platform to call on BRICS countries to take a firmer stance against what he described as “unlawful aggression” against Iran.

In his remarks, the Iranian foreign minister urged BRICS members to clearly condemn military actions against Iran and defend international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. He also called for practical collective measures to prevent further escalation and oppose unilateral actions in global affairs.

Araghchi said Iran would continue to defend itself while remaining committed to diplomacy. He stressed that the Iranian people “never bow to pressure or threat” and said external pressure had only strengthened national unity inside the country.

Iran also reportedly pushed India, as BRICS chair, to help build consensus around a stronger collective position on the conflict. However, divisions among member states complicated efforts to produce a unified language.

Diplomatic tensions reportedly emerged behind closed doors over wording related to the conflict, particularly involving Gulf states such as the UAE, which maintains ties with both Western countries and Israel while also participating in BRICS. Reports suggested disagreements over the tone of any final declaration limited consensus during the talks.

The Iranian delegation’s arrival also drew attention after reports emerged that Araghchi’s aircraft carried the marking “#Minab168,” referencing alleged civilian casualties linked to recent strikes.

India Calls for Stability

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar chaired the meeting and emphasized dialogue, diplomacy, and stability throughout the discussions.

Jaishankar said BRICS had an important role to play in supporting developing nations during a period of major uncertainty in international relations.

The Indian foreign minister highlighted issues including supply chain resilience, inflationary pressure, food and fertilizer costs, healthcare cooperation, and energy security.

India also stressed the importance of maintaining safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, given its importance to global trade and oil shipments.

Without directly taking sides in the conflict, India positioned itself as a balancing force focused on practical cooperation and de-escalation. New Delhi has maintained relations with both Iran and Western partners while seeking to protect its economic and energy interests.

Indian officials noted that more than 80 BRICS-related meetings had been organized under India’s current chairmanship, reflecting efforts to expand engagement with Global South partners and strengthen the bloc’s international influence.

Bilateral Meetings Held on Sidelines

Several important bilateral meetings took place on the sidelines of the summit. Jaishankar held talks with Araghchi focused on bilateral ties, regional tensions, maritime security, energy cooperation, and the broader West Asia crisis.

The meeting included a warm public greeting and handshake as India officially welcomed the Iranian delegation.

Jaishankar also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for discussions on the India-Russia “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” The talks reportedly covered trade, investment, connectivity projects, energy cooperation, science and technology, and mobility initiatives.

China was represented by Ambassador Xu Feihong, as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi did not attend due to scheduling issues connected to diplomatic developments happening in Beijing.

Representatives from the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia also held separate consultations during the gathering.

Some visiting ministers were also expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their stay in New Delhi.

Pleased to receive Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Thanked him for an update on the progress on various facets of our Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership.

We also exchanged views on various regional and global issues, including situation in Ukraine and West… pic.twitter.com/fg9YL1b0Se

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 14, 2026

Maritime Security and Economic Risks

The meeting took place against growing concerns over maritime security in Gulf waters. Reports that an Indian cargo vessel had been hit and sunk in the region around the same time added urgency to discussions surrounding shipping safety and regional stability.

All crew members were reportedly rescued, but the incident reinforced fears that continued conflict could threaten major international trade routes.

The Strait of Hormuz remains especially important for Asian economies heavily dependent on Gulf energy exports, including India and China.

Rising oil prices and fears of broader supply disruptions have already added pressure to global markets. BRICS members also discussed concerns surrounding inflation, fertilizer shortages, food security, and economic uncertainty linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

BRICS Unity Tested by Expanding Membership

The New Delhi meeting highlighted both the growing ambitions and internal complexities of the expanded BRICS grouping.

Originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the bloc has expanded to include countries such as Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia as part of efforts to increase the influence of developing nations in global affairs.

Many members support a more multipolar international system and greater independence from Western-led institutions. However, the Iran conflict exposed differences inside the bloc over foreign policy priorities and strategic alignments.

While some countries favored stronger language against the U.S. and Israel, others appeared more cautious due to diplomatic and economic ties with Washington and Gulf partners.

The discussions in New Delhi demonstrated BRICS’ growing global relevance but also showed the challenges the bloc faces in building consensus on major international crises.

As the meeting concluded, attention shifted toward whether BRICS leaders will be able to present a more unified position at the full summit later in 2026.