New Delhi, September 13
BRICS nations have called for “maximum restraint” in West Asia, urging countries to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the region.
In a joint statement issued Saturday during the BRICS summit in New Delhi, the 11-member group, which includes China, Russia, Iran and India, expressed deep concern over the continuing escalation of tensions in West Asia.
“We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in West Asia and, recalling our respective national positions, call for exercising maximum restraint,” the statement said.
The group also urged countries to avoid actions that could further aggravate the situation.
BRICS foreign ministers had failed to reach agreement on a joint statement during their meeting in New Delhi in May, with members including Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates divided over the war that began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
However, after intensive diplomatic efforts by India, the leaders managed to issue a joint statement at Saturday’s summit.
Concern over attacks on civilian and nuclear facilities
The BRICS leaders condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities.
“We express serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in violation of international law,” the statement said.
The group stressed that nuclear safeguards, safety and security must be maintained even during armed conflicts to protect people and the environment.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the opening of the two-day summit, said the war in West Asia “does not serve the common interests of the international community”, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are attending the summit.
The BRICS statement also called for greater international cooperation amid growing global polarisation and distrust.
“We note the current global context of polarisation and distrust and encourage global action to strengthen international peace and security,” it said.
The leaders also stressed the importance of maintaining the smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy in accordance with international law.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are also attending the summit. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is expected to join the meeting later Saturday.
BRICS was established in 2009 as a forum for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in global institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers.
