Iran seeks BRICS anti-US support, India pushes de-escalation

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is using the BRICS platform in New Delhi to rally support against US military pressure, seeking a collective anti-American statement on the ongoing conflict that began on February 28 with US and Israeli actions. India, hosting as BRICS chair this year, faces a delicate balancing act as the expanded bloc includes both Iran and the United Arab Emirates — countries at odds over the war. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also attends, with Gulf shipping routes and the blockaded Strait of Hormuz high on the agenda.

Prof. Uday Chandra of Ashoka University expects Araghchi to pursue three goals: diplomatic support to counter US pressure, a stronger joint anti-American statement, and reassurance that Iran remains open to diplomacy. However, BRICS failed to agree on a common position at a previous officials' meeting. India is likely to steer the conversation toward de-escalation, maritime security, and practical guarantees for Indian ships, making anti-American theatrics unlikely to dominate the summit.