India is playing smart and pragmatic.
It does not want to try any adventurism about peace between Iran and the US. This is primarily driven by the fact that Donald Trump is the most unpredictable protagonist in the world geo-strategy chess game.
But Sept 12, 2026 is likely to be a semi-historic occasion.
On that day; the United Arab Emirates, which has for last six months reeling under Iranian fire, is expected to be in the same hall along with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other regional and sub-regional leaders.
PM Narendra Modi will be the host while Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are all set to grace the occasion.
Chinese president had stayed away from 2023 G-20 mega event last hosted in Delhi in 2023. Hence, some hopes have been generated.
MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during regular briefing on Tuesday (Sept 8) that -- "As for the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine -- this is one of the many issues that will come up during the bilateral discussions".
This is equally smart way to brief the media.
He was also cautious and said - “We will update you on the participation (of nation/Govt heads). But at this point, I would say that please wait for an update from our side". But he was clear about one thing --
“Our Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with numerous leaders during the BRICS summit. Detailed information regarding the specific leaders and timing of the meetings will be provided".
In the meantime, the US-Iran conflict has continued.
The US forces have atacked Iranian oil tankers and Iran has targeted shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent is trading around $97 a barrel. 'Brent Crude' is the trading classification for the types of petroleum — light crude oil — first extracted from the Brent oilfield in the North Sea in 1976.
In general sense, the US and also several western experts fee that the bloc BRICS is "too broad" a group to agree on anything.
BRICS currently has 11 full members and 10 officially recognised ‘Partner Countries.’
Among countries seeking greater involvement are - Pakistan and Bangladesh (from South Asia) and
also Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Venezuela, Colombia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Laos and several African nations.
More than 30 nations expressed interest in joining.
Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam are within Partner Country framework and can participate in BRICS-related cooperation without the full rights of membership.
Asked about Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's participation in the Summit, the MEA spokesman said - “I don't have any update".
New Delhi is not against expansion but wants it to follow a criteria-based policy approach. India is also clear about one thing.
It does not want BRICS to turn into anti-Western or anti-American bloc.
BRICS should remain a group for economic cooperation. India also wants RIC to strengthen especially on the backdrop of American behaviour and conduct on trade and tariff.
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| File snap : 2023 |
With regard to the Iran-US confrontation, one so-called 'Islamabad Memorandum' was signed on June 17 by Donald Trump at Versailles and Iranian presisent Pezeshkian in Tehran
Qatar, Oman, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt carried pieces of it literally.
Fourteen points. And after 50 days, it expired on August 17th.
Hence, the protagonists who want to work for 'peace' are clueless.
There are other elements in the debate. Chinese firms have supplied Iran with dual-use components, radar and navigation equipment etc. Qatar and a few other countries are upset.
Beijing has not said anything substantial about raining of bombs and other troubles faced by the Kuwaiti and Bahraini civilians.
Civilians have been killed and Qatari civilians have been injured by Iranian missiles.
India knows the art of balance and a tightrope walk. It is for a strong strategic and also economic ties with the US.
China and Russia never give up chance to criticize US and also the Israeli actions. India has been also using backchannels to advocate for maritime safety and dialogue.
ends
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