Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held bilateral discussions with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This meeting occurred on the sidelines of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, which took place in New Delhi on Saturday. Sheikh Khaled is leading the delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and highlighted the UAE’s active participation in multilateral engagements.

Challenges in West Asia and BRICS Dynamics

The ongoing crisis in West Asia has presented significant challenges to the BRICS grouping, particularly due to the differing positions of Iran and the UAE. Reports indicate that the conflict has severely impacted the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global oil shipments, resulting in crude oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel. In response to perceived threats from Iran, the UAE suspended all trade and financial transactions with Iran in August. This stand-off is contributing to tensions within the BRICS forum.

The disagreement between Iran and the UAE has complicated the development of a joint BRICS declaration. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that the discord is obstructing efforts to draft a cohesive statement. During earlier discussions, diplomats had expressed concern over the impact these differences could have on the summit’s outcome.

In May, foreign ministers from the BRICS countries could not issue a joint statement during their meeting in New Delhi due to similar disagreements. Although India, as chair of the group, later released a statement acknowledging that member countries hold varied perspectives, the lack of consensus remains a pressing issue.

India’s Role and Strategic Approach

As the chair of BRICS, India is striving to focus on regional stability, ensuring that the West Asia conflict does not hinder the grouping’s broader economic objectives. According to sources from the Ministry of External Affairs, India aims to navigate this complex geopolitical landscape by promoting diplomacy without directly attributing blame to specific nations. The approach includes condemning “unprovoked aggression,” reaffirming the principles of sovereignty, and supporting freedom of navigation.

Indian officials are reportedly engaging in discussions with representatives from Iran, the UAE, Russia, Brazil, and Egypt to formulate language that can be acceptable to both parties. Iran seeks explicit condemnation of US-Israeli actions and sanctions, while the UAE desires recognition of Iranian missile and drone assaults on Gulf states.

This delicate balancing act is critical, as India seeks to position itself as a mediator while fostering cooperation among emerging economies. The BRICS grouping has expanded over time, initially including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and has recently added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia.

Crown Prince’s Engagement with India

Sheikh Khaled’s visit to India is not his first; he has travelled to the country on two previous occasions. In February 2026, he attended the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi and made another visit in September 2024. His current presence at the BRICS summit reflects the ongoing commitment to maintaining relations with major global players and addressing regional challenges.

The dynamics at the BRICS summit underscore the importance of collaboration in light of internal differences. As negotiations continue, Saudi Arabia’s role remains ambiguous, having not yet accepted full membership but still participating in discussions through lower-level delegations. Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud is anticipated to attend the meeting in Delhi, further highlighting the multi-faceted nature of BRICS deliberations.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share