BRICS Nations Urge Maximum Restraint in Middle East, New Delhi Summit Kicks Off

The BRICS group of nations unanimously adopted a joint declaration on Saturday during their annual leaders' summit in New Delhi, expressing deep concern over ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The declaration urges maximum restraint and advocates for a multilateral approach respecting national viewpoints as U.S. and Iranian tensions persist.

The summit gathered representatives from an expanded bloc that now includes both Iran and the United Arab Emirates, making consensus a complex achievement for host India. Member nations reiterated their commitment to resolving international disputes exclusively through dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy.

"We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East and call for exercising maximum restraint, avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation," the New Delhi Declaration stated.

Addressing the assembly, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the coalition to step forward as an active peacemaker in the region. State-run media quoted him emphasizing that the ongoing war serves no common interest for the international community.

The summit also marks Xi's first visit to India in seven years, serving as a backdrop for renewed diplomatic talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rebuild bilateral ties following past border disputes.