Continuing coverage of BRICS fractures over the US-Israeli war on Iran—initially detailed in March analysis of Iran-UAE rifts and member splits—the Deputy Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi on April 24, 2026, yielded no consensus. Chair India issued a summary noting 'deep concern' over the Middle East conflict, while discussing Gaza, Lebanon, and other issues.
BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa convened in New Delhi on April 24, 2026, amid ongoing divisions over the US-Israeli war on Iran, launched February 28 in response to attacks on Iranian leadership. As BRICS 2026 chair, India released a summary: members 'expressed deep concern on the recent conflict in the Middle East and offered views and assessments.'
Talks addressed the Palestine issue, Gaza humanitarian aid and UNRWA's role, zero-tolerance for terrorism, the Lebanon ceasefire, unacceptability of attacks on UNIFIL, Syria reconstruction, Yemen settlement, Iraq stability, Libya's political process, and Sudan's crisis. The group agreed to reconvene under China's 2027 chairship.
In March, Iran sought an Indian-led BRICS condemnation of US-Israeli strikes, but consensus faltered due to members like Saudi Arabia and UAE—hosts of targeted US bases. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted: 'Some members... are directly involved... impacting forging a consensus.' India holds BRICS chairmanship, hosting a leaders' summit later in 2026, with Foreign Ministers meeting May 14-15. The bloc now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia.
