New Delhi — As India prepares to host the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting on May 14-15, former ambassador and Gateway House distinguished fellow Rajiv Bhatia said forging agreement among member states will be difficult but possible amid sharp divisions over the Iran-Israel war and broader instability in West Asia.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Bhatia said India, serving as chair, must manage competing positions within the expanded bloc while keeping discussions focused on dialogue and regional stability. He outlined three realistic aims that could secure broad agreement: expressing serious concern about the humanitarian and destabilising effects of the conflict; recognising that much of the world beyond the direct belligerents is being impacted; and endorsing BRICS’ role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation among members.
Rising tensions in West Asia have raised fears over regional security, energy supplies and international trade routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil shipments, has been highlighted as a particular vulnerability for energy-importing countries like India.
Bhatia argued the crisis gives BRICS both an opportunity and a responsibility to coordinate responses to strategic disruptions that affect the Global South. He suggested the five founding members consider a focused initiative on energy security and maritime stability in the near term.
He also said India’s decision to host the meeting during a period of global uncertainty sends a diplomatic signal with two parts: first, that states should act responsibly and resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than military means; and second, that BRICS will endure and return to its core objective of deepening economic cooperation among its members and partners in the Global South.
The Ministry of External Affairs’ programme says visiting ministers will arrive at the venue at 10:00 am on Thursday, with the first session beginning at 10:30 am. Delegations will make a joint call on the Prime Minister at Seva Teerth at 1:00 pm, then return to Bharat Mandapam for the second session at 3:10 pm. The first day will conclude with a dinner hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at 7:00 pm. The meeting resumes at 10:00 am on Friday, May 15.
The remarks and schedule were reported by ANI. The Tribune republishes the syndicated report as received.
