India Hosts Crucial BRICS Meet Amid Rising West Asia Tensions

The escalating conflict in West Asia and its possible impact on global energy markets are expected to dominate discussions at the two-day meeting of foreign ministers from BRICS countries to be hosted by India on May 14 and 15.

India, which holds the BRICS chairmanship for 2026, is hosting the ministerial conclave ahead of the grouping’s annual summit scheduled later this year. The meeting will be chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while participating ministers are also expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Diplomatic sources said the worsening tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States are likely to overshadow the official agenda, amid growing concerns over regional instability and disruptions to global oil supply chains.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to attend the meeting, though officials indicated that his plans could change depending on developments in the region. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has also confirmed participation.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will skip the meeting due to the visit of US President Donald Trump to Beijing during the same period. China will instead be represented by Ambassador Xi Feihong.

The meeting is expected to test the unity of the expanded BRICS bloc, particularly after differences emerged among member nations over the Iran-Israel conflict. Sources said sharp disagreements between Iran and the United Arab Emirates during earlier consultations prevented the grouping from issuing a consensus statement on the crisis.

The UAE has reportedly raised concerns over attacks targeting regional energy infrastructure, while Iran has denied allegations linking it to such incidents. The divisions have complicated efforts to formulate a unified BRICS position on the conflict.

India is expected to focus on promoting dialogue and de-escalation while safeguarding energy stability and economic interests. As one of the world’s largest crude oil importers, India remains particularly sensitive to any disruption in Gulf shipping routes or spikes in global fuel prices.

Apart from the West Asia crisis, ministers are also scheduled to discuss reforms of global governance institutions, multilateral cooperation, sustainability, innovation and resilience among developing economies.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the meeting would provide an opportunity for BRICS member and partner countries to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest as the grouping marks two decades of cooperation.