Iran war reshapes Brics ties but also exposes divisions
The recent BRICS summit in Delhi highlighted deep geopolitical divisions among member nations, particularly regarding the influence of the US and the ongoing conflict involving Iran. While India seeks to position the group as a non-aligned economic bloc, other members view it as a vehicle to challenge Western dominance.
Why it matters
The shifting dynamics of BRICS reflect broader global realignments and the struggle to define a new international order amidst regional conflicts.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, (From left) Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping pose for a photo at the Brics summit in Delhi
This weekend, some of the most powerful people in the world gathered in Delhi around a vast circular table.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that together, the leaders next to him should increasingly become "rule-shapers", not "rule-takers".
Among those listening were members of the Brics group, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
These are hardly natural allies. They have histories of border disputes and even military confrontations.
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