Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Attends BRICS Summit in Delhi Amid Rising West Asia Tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi to participate in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as growing instability in West Asia, rising crude oil prices and global geopolitical tensions dominate international discussions. The high-level summit is being hosted under India’s 2026 chairmanship of the BRICS grouping and is taking place at a time when concerns over regional conflicts and global economic uncertainty continue to intensify.

The meeting has brought together foreign ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with newly expanded members such as Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia. Diplomatic observers view the summit as particularly significant because of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which has affected energy markets and raised fears of wider regional instability.

During his visit, Araghchi is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with leaders and foreign ministers from participating countries. Discussions are likely to focus on regional security, economic cooperation, energy supply concerns and the impact of current geopolitical tensions on developing economies. Reports suggested that the Iranian minister would also meet Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss bilateral relations and the evolving situation in West Asia.

Iran has reportedly been seeking stronger diplomatic support from BRICS countries regarding the recent conflict in the Middle East. During the summit, Araghchi criticised the United States and accused Western powers of destabilising regional peace and security through unilateral actions. Addressing the gathering, he remarked that “US bullying is not unfamiliar to anyone here,” while urging member nations to oppose what Tehran described as unlawful aggression against Iran.

The Iranian foreign minister’s remarks reflected Tehran’s broader attempt to strengthen ties with Global South nations and expand political cooperation within the BRICS framework. Analysts believe Iran is increasingly viewing BRICS as an important platform to counter Western diplomatic pressure and improve economic partnerships amid continuing sanctions and international tensions.

However, reports indicated that differences among BRICS members may make it difficult for the bloc to adopt a unified position on the ongoing conflict. While some member countries have expressed concern over military escalation in West Asia, others have maintained more cautious diplomatic positions. The expanded BRICS grouping now includes countries with differing strategic interests, particularly on sensitive geopolitical matters.

The conflict and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are expected to remain central themes during the summit discussions. The strategically important waterway is one of the world’s major oil transit routes, and disruptions in the region have already contributed to rising global fuel prices and concerns over energy security. Countries such as India and China, which rely heavily on imported crude oil, are closely monitoring developments in the Gulf region.

Indian officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts. During the summit, Jaishankar reportedly stated that the world is facing increasing volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, urging BRICS nations to play a stabilising role in global affairs. He also called for reforms in international institutions to better reflect changing global realities and the growing influence of emerging economies.

The New Delhi meeting is also being viewed as an important test for the expanded BRICS grouping. While the bloc continues to promote cooperation among emerging economies and advocate for a multipolar global order, recent geopolitical crises have exposed internal divisions among member states. Despite these differences, participating countries have continued to stress the need for diplomacy, economic cooperation and collective efforts to maintain global stability during a period of growing international uncertainty.