New Delhi: As the conflict in West Asia enters the third week with no sign of de-escalation in sight, India is actively working to bridge divisions within the BRICS grouping to forge a unified stance.
Several BRICS members are directly involved in the ongoing situation, leading to complexities, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted, as reported by ANI.
“Members of the BRICS, are directly involved in the current situation in West Asia. This has impacted forging a consensus on a common BRICS position on the ongoing conflict. As chair of BRICS, we have been facilitating discussions among BRICS members through the Sherpa channel,” Jaiswal said.
“The last meeting of the Sherpas of the BRIC
S took place virtually on 12th March. We are trying our best to develop a position, but because of differing positions, it has been difficult. In addition, our leadership also is in talks. They are engaged with member countries of the BRICS, and we will continue to remain engaged with BRICS member countries so that we can arrive at a position on this particular conflict,” he added.
Through this process, senior officials, known as Sherpas, engage in preparatory and substantive talks on behalf of their leaders, enabling discreet and focused deliberations outside formal summits.
The expanded BRICS now includes members such as Iran and the United Arab Emirates, both of which have stakes in West Asia dynamics, alongside traditional members like Russia and China, whose views are divergent to those more aligned with Western interests.
On January 1, 2026, India took over the chairmanship of BRICS from Brazil.
India’s efforts reflect its broader diplomatic approach of promoting dialogue and de-escalation while safeguarding national interests, including the welfare of its diaspora in the Gulf and energy supply chains.