BRICS consensus on West Asia a tough call

A consensus on the West Asia crisis remains elusive among members of the BRICS bloc.

Giving a description of behind-the-scenes diplomatic power play, sources say both the UAE and Iran -- which are now members of the BRICS -- are seeking separate mentions in any common resolution on the issue that the bloc may arrive at.

While Iran wants the condemnation of the ‘unprovoked’ attack by the US and Israel; the UAE wants the act of Iran added to the BRICS common position, the sources added.

While retaliating to the US-Israel strikes, Iran had hit back several of its neighbouring countries, including specific targets in the UAE that it believed housed US interests.

At a media briefing today, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained that some members of the BRICS were directly involved in the current situation in the West Asia region. “This has impacted forging a consensus on a common BRICS position on the ongoing conflict,” Jaiswal said.

As the current Chair of BRICS, India has been facilitating discussions among members through ‘Sherpa channel’. Last virtual BRICS Sherpa meeting was held on March 12.

Jaiswal said BRICS was trying its best to develop a solution, but it has been difficult because of differing positions. “But we will continue to engage BRICS member countries so that we can arrive at a position on BRICS,” Jaiswal said.

Meanwhile on Friday, when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the latter urged international and regional organisations to condemn the “military aggression” against Iran. He underscored the importance, role, and position of BRICS, according to the readout from Tehran.

With three of the BRICS members -- Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE -- on opposing sides of the current conflict, a BRICS consensus will be difficult to achieve.

Bilaterally, Russia and China have openly condemned the US-Israel strikes on Iran, while India has so far limited its response to criticism of the attacks on Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also condemned the strikes against them.

India is the current chair of the BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Egypt and Indonesia. It is likely to host the grouping's next annual summit later this year.