West Asia war, Hormuz, Gaza dominate BRICS foreign ministers' meet

New Delhi: The need to end the war in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy, respect for territorial sovereignty, and unimpeded navigation through international waterways - including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea - dominated discussions on the opening day of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting here, amid efforts to forge a common position on the conflict despite differences between the UAE and Iran.

Opening the meeting of the 11-member BRICS grouping, which once again saw the foreign ministers of both Iran and the UAE in the same room, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation. Safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being."

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Jaishankar also said the wider West Asian region remained a matter of serious concern, referring to the conflict in Gaza and its grave humanitarian implications. "A sustained ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a credible pathway towards a durable and peaceful resolution remain essential," he said.

India also reiterated support for a two-state solution on the Palestine issue, with the minister seeking to dispel concerns among some BRICS members following the recent West Asia-North Africa Special Representatives' meeting that New Delhi had shifted from its long-standing position on Palestine.

Stressing that stability cannot be selective and peace cannot be piecemeal, Jaishankar, in an indirect message to global and regional powers, said, "It is essential to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure. India stands ready to contribute constructively to de-escalation efforts and to support initiatives aimed at restoring stability."

He was delivering India's national statement at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting session on global and regional issues. India currently chairs BRICS and will host the summit here in mid-September, which will be attended by the presidents of Russia, China and South Africa, among others.

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What we are witnessing is not a series of isolated events, but a convergence of challenges testing the resilience of multilateral systems. Many of these issues have far-reaching consequences beyond their immediate region. Their impact is particularly severe for emerging markets and developing countries through pressures on energy, food and fertilizer security, supply chain disruptions, inflationary trends and constraints on growth," Jaishankar said.

Calling for BRICS solidarity despite differences between the UAE and Iran, he said, "Collective action and resolve are essential to promote stability, sustainability and prosperity...."