As India readies to take on the role of BRICS Chair in 2026, the nation’s stance regarding the ongoing conflicts in West Asia is anticipated with considerable interest. Professor Srikanth Kondapalli, a scholar specializing in Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, noted that the situation represents a complex diplomatic challenge for India. He outlined that both Iran and Saudi Arabia are members of the BRICS, creating a unique dynamic as conflicts escalate in the region.

India’s Membership in SCO Alongside Iran

Professor Kondapalli emphasised that India’s involvement in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) alongside Iran adds another layer to the existing complexities. He pointed out that India has established robust relations with not only Iran but also Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. He remarked on India’s previous free trade agreement with Oman, signaling its strong ties in the region. The myriad of relationships complicates India’s ability to pick sides without compromising its long-standing policy of non-alignment.

Drawing parallels between this situation and India’s role during the G20 summit in New Delhi, he indicated that navigating discussions around the Russia-Ukraine conflict was also fraught with difficulties. “The G20 ultimately reached some consensus without directly naming any parties involved in the Ukrainian issue. Similarly, at the upcoming BRICS meeting scheduled for September, one can expect a combination of diplomatic maneuvering and negotiations, even as regional tensions linger,” he stated.

Professor Kondapalli further highlighted the significant responsibility India bears as the host of the upcoming summit. He articulated that uniting various nations under the BRICS umbrella would indeed challenge Indian diplomacy and require meticulous effort. The importance of maintaining neutrality is expected to bolster India’s credibility in BRICS discussions, even as it grapples with the intricate web of international relations.

BRICS: An Overview of the Bloc’s Significance

The BRICS grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was established to create an economic and political alliance among major emerging economies. The term “BRIC” was first introduced in 2001 by Jim O’Neill, who recognized the growing economic influence of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The bloc held its first formal summit in 2009, and in 2010, South Africa was added, officially rebranding it as BRICS.

Significantly, in 2024, the formation expanded further to include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia, thereby enhancing its geopolitical and economic clout. With this expansion, BRICS countries now represent approximately half of the global population and constitute a significant share of the world’s economic output, indicating a rapidly growing influence in global GDP.

Additionally, Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS in 2025 marked another milestone. Since the beginning of the previous year, several nations, including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Nigeria, have also received partner status within the bloc.

Recent Escalations in West Asia

The situation in West Asia has escalated following a US-Israel military strike on Iranian territory on February 28, which led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several key figures. In response, Tehran has reacted with heightened vigor. Currently, reports indicate that the United States is considering sustained military operations in Iran, with additional troops deployed to the region to maintain strategic readiness amidst ongoing conflicts. Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to resolve the tensions.

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