India’s diplomacy helps bridge differences in Iran-UAE BRICS discussions
Indian diplomats played a key role in helping bridge differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates during negotiations linked to the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, according to an account published on Monday.
The discussions involved nearly 100 hours of negotiations as BRICS members worked towards common language on the ongoing conflict and tensions in West Asia.
The negotiations became particularly important because Iran and the UAE have different positions and interests in the regional crisis. Reaching an agreed formulation required discussions among several BRICS members, with China, Russia, Egypt and Brazil also contributing to the diplomatic process.
Indian officials worked with representatives of the participating countries to develop language that could be accepted by the different sides. The objective was to avoid directly assigning blame while maintaining a common call for peace, protection of civilians and respect for international principles.
The diplomatic effort came during India’s BRICS presidency and highlighted New Delhi’s role in facilitating dialogue among countries with differing strategic positions.
The negotiations also reflected the wider role of BRICS as a platform where member countries can discuss international conflicts and economic and security issues despite differences in their foreign-policy positions.
The final language focused on the need for regional peace, protection of civilians and diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes.
The process also demonstrated the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement when countries are unable to agree on all aspects of a conflict.
For India, the negotiations offered an opportunity to use its diplomatic experience and relationships with different countries to help build consensus within the expanded BRICS grouping.
The outcome is being viewed as an example of multilateral diplomacy in practice, where agreement is built gradually through consultations rather than through a single negotiation.
The episode also adds to India’s diplomatic engagement in West Asia, a region that remains important to the country’s energy security, trade and wider strategic interests.
