BRICS talks end without joint statement as divisions over Iran war deepen

The BRICS alliance of major developing economies has failed to issue a joint statement after their two-day meeting in India, amid internal divisions over the Iran war which is affecting several members. India hosted the foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi and currently chairs the alliance. BRICS brings together core members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as newer members Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia and the UAE. Recommended Stories list of 3 items end of list India said on Friday that “there were differing views among some members” regarding the conflict in the Middle East. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday urged BRICS member states to condemn what he described as “violations of international law by the United States and Israel”. The war has intensified tensions between Iran and its Gulf neighbours, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, a fellow BRICS+ member. Riyadh has yet to formally join the bloc. Without directly naming the UAE, Araghchi told a news conference that a BRICS member had blocked parts of India’s statement. Iran repeatedly targeted its Gulf neighbour following the outbreak of the war on February 28, reportedly striking the UAE more than any other country involved in the conflict, including Israel. “We have no difficulty with that certain country, they have not been our target in the current war. …