India delivered a strong message on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and ensuring maritime stability during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, even as tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) dominated discussions on the ongoing West Asia conflict.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed that “safe and unimpeded maritime flows” through critical waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are essential for global economic stability. Without directly naming any country, Jaishankar also called for respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
The remarks came in the presence of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar during the BRICS summit hosted under India’s 2026 presidency. India reportedly expressed concern over rising geopolitical instability, energy supply disruptions, and the impact of sanctions and regional conflict on developing economies.
The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the biggest flashpoints in the ongoing Iran conflict after Tehran imposed restrictions on maritime movement during the war involving the United States and Israel. The strategic waterway handles a major share of the world’s oil and gas trade, making it crucial for global energy security and India’s fuel imports.
Reports suggest tensions escalated inside the BRICS meeting itself as Iran and the UAE exchanged sharp remarks over alleged Iranian attacks on Gulf infrastructure and shipping routes. According to diplomatic sources, heated exchanges took place during one of the closed-door sessions, forcing Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to intervene and calm the situation.
Iran reportedly accused at least one BRICS member — widely believed to be the UAE — of pressuring other countries to criticise Tehran during discussions on the West Asia conflict.
India’s message was seen as an attempt to maintain balance between competing regional powers while protecting its strategic interests. India has been significantly affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, including threats to Indian ships and rising crude oil prices caused by the conflict.
Jaishankar also underlined the need for BRICS nations to find “practical ways” to navigate growing geopolitical uncertainty and unilateral sanctions. He said peace and stability cannot be selective and warned against targeting civilian infrastructure and disrupting global trade routes.
The BRICS grouping, which recently expanded to include Iran and the UAE, is facing increasing internal divisions over the West Asia conflict. Analysts believe the differences between Tehran and Abu Dhabi could make it difficult for the bloc to issue a unified statement on the crisis.
