NEW DELHI — India will host the BRICS Leaders’ Summit on September 12 and 13 as divisions over the Iran conflict challenge the expanded bloc’s ability to present a common position.
Iran and the United Arab Emirates are both BRICS members, but their relationship has deteriorated sharply. The UAE suspended trade and financial transactions with Tehran in August after being targeted by Iranian missiles.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are expected to attend. Negotiators are attempting to develop language on the Middle East crisis that every member can support in a joint declaration.
Why it matters: BRICS seeks a greater role in international diplomacy. Failure to agree on a war involving one of its members could expose internal divisions and weaken that ambition.
Status: Summit and planned attendance confirmed; joint declaration remains under negotiation
