China, Russia, India and other BRICS members urge restraint and condemn attacks on civilian and peaceful nuclear infrastructure.
NEW DELHI – Web Desk: BRICS nations have called for “maximum restraint” amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, urging countries to avoid actions that could further aggravate the situation.
The call came in a joint statement issued by the 11-member grouping during its leaders’ summit in New Delhi on Saturday. The statement expressed deep concern over the continuing escalation across the Middle East and West Asia.
“We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East/West Asia,” the statement said, while calling for restraint and measures to prevent further deterioration.
BRICS condemns attacks on civilian, nuclear infrastructure
The BRICS countries also expressed serious concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities operating under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.
The group said such attacks violate international law and relevant IAEA resolutions, stressing that nuclear safeguards, safety and security must be maintained even during armed conflicts to protect people and the environment.
China, Russia, Iran and India at summit
The summit brings together leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Xi said the ongoing Middle East war did not serve the common interests of the international community, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua.
The BRICS statement also called for greater international cooperation to strengthen peace and security amid growing global polarisation and distrust.
Focus on trade, energy and supply chains
The grouping further stressed the importance of maintaining the smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy in accordance with international law.
The statement comes as the Middle East conflict continues to create wider geopolitical and economic concerns, particularly over energy supplies and international trade routes.
Diplomatic efforts precede joint statement
BRICS foreign ministers failed to reach agreement on a joint statement during their May meeting in New Delhi, with member states divided over the conflict.
However, an agreement was reached at the leaders’ meeting on Saturday following diplomatic efforts by summit host India.
The latest statement signals a shared BRICS position on the need to prevent further escalation while highlighting concerns over civilian infrastructure, nuclear safety and the potential impact of the conflict on global trade and energy flows.
