BRICS Nations Meet, Urging Restraint in Middle East and Boosting Trade

The 18th BRICS Summit is currently underway in New Delhi, India, from September 12-13, 2026, where member nations are addressing critical global and regional issues. India, holding the BRICS Chairship for 2026, is guiding discussions under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." The summit aims to deepen intra-BRICS collaboration and promote a more representative global order.

A key focus of the summit has been urging restraint in the Middle East, with BRICS nations adopting the "New Delhi Declaration 2026" that expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict and called for maximum restraint to prevent further escalation. This declaration also highlighted the need to protect global trade, supply chains, and energy flows. Boosting global trade and reducing barriers are central to India's agenda for the summit, with leaders discussing ways to expand economic cooperation.

Significantly, the summit has facilitated diplomatic engagement between key regional players, with Iran and the United Arab Emirates, both BRICS members, joining the joint statement on Middle East restraint. On the sidelines of the event, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking their highest-level interaction since the recent intensification of regional conflict. This development underscores India's efforts to foster dialogue and stability in the region.