BRICS Delhi meet puts India at centre of Iran-West Asia diplomacy amid global tensions

New Delhi is set to host a crucial meeting of BRICS foreign ministers this week as rising tensions in West Asia, the Iran-US conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz dominate the diplomatic agenda.

The meeting comes at a time when India, as the current BRICS chair, is attempting to navigate competing geopolitical interests involving Iran, the United States, Gulf countries and China.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in New Delhi to lead Tehran’s delegation at the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled for May 14 and 15.

His visit comes amid continuing diplomatic efforts over the ongoing West Asia conflict and ahead of a planned visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later this month.

The meeting is expected to serve as a precursor to the 18th BRICS Summit, which India will host in September. Officials and diplomatic observers view the Delhi gathering as particularly significant because the expanded BRICS grouping now includes Iran and the United Arab Emirates alongside founding members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

One of the central issues expected to be discussed is the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital maritime route through which a major share of the world’s oil and energy shipments pass.

Recent tensions and disruptions in the waterway have affected global energy prices and shipping operations, including Indian-flagged vessels transporting crude oil and gas. India and Iran are expected to hold parallel discussions on ensuring safe navigation for Indian ships.

The BRICS meeting also comes after an earlier Delhi consultation of BRICS deputy foreign ministers ended without a joint statement on the Iran conflict, highlighting divisions within the bloc.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs had then issued only a chair’s statement, reflecting the lack of consensus among members on how strongly the grouping should respond to the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel.

According to reports, Iran has been pushing for a stronger and more coordinated BRICS response to the conflict and has urged India, as chair, to help the grouping play a “constructive” role in regional stability efforts.

The meeting is also being closely watched for what it reveals about China’s role inside BRICS. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is unlikely to attend due to other diplomatic engagements, but Beijing remains Iran’s largest oil buyer and one of its closest economic partners.