The meeting has drawn significant attention following the confirmation that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will not attend the gathering. According to reports, Wang Yi cited “scheduling reasons” for his absence, with China instead being represented by its Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong. The development coincides with the visit of United States President Donald Trump to Beijing, which has been identified as the primary reason for the Chinese Foreign Minister’s unavailability.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to attend the meeting in New Delhi, a participation considered highly significant in light of the recent escalation in West Asia and Iran’s central role in the ongoing regional disputes. Diplomatic sources confirmed that Araghchi is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings in the Indian capital and participate in a joint call-on with Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside other BRICS foreign ministers.
The continuing conflict in West Asia, particularly the confrontation involving Iran and the United Arab Emirates, is expected to dominate discussions during the two-day meeting. Recent attacks targeting energy infrastructure in the UAE and disagreements among member nations regarding the wording on the Palestine issue have complicated efforts to achieve consensus within the bloc.
Indian officials have acknowledged that drafting a joint statement may prove difficult because of sharp divisions among BRICS members. Several countries within the grouping, including Brazil, China and South Africa, have reportedly opposed any dilution of language supporting an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, consistent with earlier BRICS summit declarations.
India’s diplomatic positioning during the meeting reflects its broader strategy of strategic autonomy and multi-alignment. The country has consistently resisted pressure from major global powers on issues such as the Ukraine conflict and oil imports while simultaneously attempting to preserve balanced relations within the BRICS framework. Observers noted that India has demonstrated a willingness to resist larger powers when safeguarding its strategic interests, although its record has not been without challenges.
India has also reiterated its support for a two-state solution regarding the Israel-Palestine issue and condemned attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, particularly after Indian nationals were injured during recent hostilities in the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, New Delhi continues to prioritise its economic and security interests while carefully managing relations with competing global powers.
The New Delhi meeting is expected to play a critical role in shaping the agenda for the BRICS Summit later this year. With divisions emerging over geopolitical conflicts, energy security and diplomatic language on Palestine, the gathering will test the bloc’s ability to maintain unity at a time of increasing global instability and shifting international alliances.
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