BRICS Leaders Agree on Joint Declaration Amid Tensions

BRICS leaders have achieved a significant diplomatic breakthrough by agreeing on a joint declaration, as reported on Saturday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for BRICS members to convert their unity into tangible global outcomes.

The declaration is anticipated to condemn unilateral aggression without naming specific countries. This agreement comes in the context of renewed U.S.-Iran tensions, with Iran and the United Arab Emirates navigating their differences as BRICS members.

Modi played a crucial role in facilitating discussions among members, following a previous failure of BRICS foreign ministers to issue a joint statement in May due to disagreements involving Iran and the UAE. Leaders attending the summit include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Modi also reiterated India's call for reforming the U.N. Security Council to include permanent seats for India and other emerging powers.

BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.