Brics urges end to Western dominance at New Delhi summit

New Delhi — The Brics group of emerging economies at the weekend expressed concern over rising tensions in the Middle East and condemned the use of sanctions not authorised by the UN, as the leaders met in New Delhi to strengthen their position in global affairs seen as dominated by the West.

The meeting, which included Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, voiced concern over “deliberate attacks” on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under the UN atomic energy agency’s safeguards, saying nuclear safety and security must be protected during armed conflicts. The statement was seen as indirect criticism of US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The leaders also took aim at unilateral sanctions not authorised by the UN Security Council. They did not name any countries, but Russia, one of the founding members of Brics, has faced Western sanctions following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“We call for the elimination of such unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter,” the joint statement said.

Brics was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. It has since expanded to 11 members, representing about half the world’s population and a significant share of global economic output. The group has increasingly called for greater representation for developing countries in global institutions.

It has sought to raise its profile by promoting alternatives to Western-dominated financial institutions and positioning itself as the voice of developing nations and emerging economies.

India is hosting this year’s summit, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Pezeshkian and counterparts from the other eight Brics members.

Concerns have grown that the Iran war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, may expand as fighting escalates between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with rising US-China tensions, are also testing the bloc’s ability to find common ground among countries with competing geopolitical interests.

In his address, Modi sought to ease concerns that Brics was intended to counter Western-led alliances.

“Brics is not against anyone,” he said, adding that the bloc had reached a “coming of age” moment in which the Global South must evolve into a “rule-shaper” in global governance.

“It is time for us to translate our unity and consensus in Brics into concrete outcomes,” he said.

Modi also proposed a Brics seafarers’ network to strengthen the safety and welfare of maritime workers, particularly as disruptions to maritime trade from the war in Iran have heightened risks for mariners.

China and Russia see Brics as a way to reduce Western dominance, particularly that of the US, while strengthening co-operation among developing economies.

Putin called for expanding the UN Security Council to give greater representation to Asia, Africa and Latin America, saying it would improve the body’s effectiveness, Russian state news agency Interfax reported Saturday.