BRICS Puts Consensus and Diplomacy at Centre of West Asia Crisis Discussions
New Delhi: India, as the current chair of BRICS, is pushing for dialogue, diplomacy and consensus as the grouping continues discussions on the escalating situation in West Asia, according to official sources.
With BRICS bringing together countries with diverse geopolitical interests, India is seeking to build common ground among members while ensuring that the grouping maintains a unified and constructive approach to major global challenges.
Officials said consensus remains a fundamental principle of BRICS decision-making. As chair, India is engaging with all member countries through consultations aimed at developing mutually acceptable positions ahead of the upcoming summit.
West Asia Crisis Remains a Key Discussion
The rapidly evolving situation in West Asia has emerged as an important issue in discussions among BRICS members. Consultations on a possible joint statement are continuing through the Sherpa channel, with countries discussing the language and priorities that could be reflected in the summit outcome.
India has repeatedly emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. Sources said discussions among BRICS members are also focusing on humanitarian concerns, including the protection of civilians and ensuring safe and unhindered movement through international waterways.
According to officials, members have expressed the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the crisis while maintaining diplomatic engagement.
India’s approach is aimed at ensuring that differences among BRICS members do not prevent the grouping from addressing issues of wider international importance.
Trade and Local Currency Payments Gain Attention
Alongside geopolitical discussions, BRICS members are continuing work on economic cooperation, particularly payment mechanisms and greater use of national currencies in cross-border trade.
Officials said the objective is to explore practical mechanisms that can make international transactions more efficient, reduce costs and facilitate trade among member countries.
The discussions are being conducted through technical consultations under the BRICS finance track and are not directed against any particular country, sources emphasized.
Further discussions are expected during the meeting of BRICS finance ministers scheduled for early September, where members are likely to review progress and explore additional areas of financial cooperation.
New Development Bank Seen as Model of Cooperation
The New Development Bank remains one of the most visible examples of institutional cooperation within BRICS.
India is preparing to take on the next chairmanship of the bank and is expected to focus on strengthening development-oriented financing and supporting the economic priorities of member countries.
New Delhi has also stressed the need for more balanced and sustainable trade relationships within the grouping, particularly as developing economies seek greater opportunities for investment, infrastructure development and economic growth.
India Highlights People-Centred Development
Under India’s BRICS chairship, the focus has extended beyond traditional diplomatic and economic issues to initiatives aimed at delivering practical benefits to people.
Officials said India has adopted a whole-of-government approach, with different ministries setting up dedicated BRICS units to coordinate programmes and cooperation with partner countries.
India has also sought to share its experience in areas such as digital payments, financial technology and digital healthcare.
The country’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem has emerged as one example of India’s digital public infrastructure, while its experience in digital health is also being shared with international partners.
International Interest in BRICS Summit
India has invited the grouping’s partner countries to participate in the upcoming BRICS summit, with officials describing the response as encouraging.
The invitations reflect the expanding international interest in BRICS and its role in discussions on global economic governance, development and international cooperation.
Saudi Arabia remains among the countries engaging with the BRICS framework. According to sources, Riyadh has been invited to attend the summit and continues to interact with the grouping.
Expansion to Follow Consensus
BRICS has undergone significant expansion in recent years, growing from its original five-member structure to 11 full members, along with a group of partner countries.
Officials indicated that the immediate priority is consolidation and strengthening cooperation among existing members rather than pursuing rapid expansion.
Any future decision on adding new members is expected to follow the procedures already agreed upon by the grouping and will remain guided by consensus.
India Monitoring Impact of US Tariffs and Sanctions
New Delhi is also assessing the potential impact of US sanctions and tariffs on India and other BRICS economies.
Sources said the grouping has previously articulated broader positions on international trade and economic issues through its declarations, while individual countries continue to assess the implications for their own economies.
India’s approach remains focused on protecting its economic interests while maintaining engagement with international partners.
BRICS Chairship Focused on Cooperation
As India prepares for the upcoming BRICS summit, New Delhi’s broader message is centred on strengthening cooperation among developing economies and promoting practical, people-oriented outcomes.
From the West Asia crisis and humanitarian concerns to trade, financial cooperation, digital technology and development financing, India is seeking to use its chairship to encourage dialogue among countries with differing perspectives.
With consultations continuing ahead of the summit, the challenge for India will be to bridge differences among members while preserving the consensus-based character of BRICS.
For New Delhi, the emphasis remains clear: dialogue over confrontation, diplomacy over division and cooperation over conflict.
