BRICS summit opens amid divisions over Iran and questions about its global role
The BRICS summit in New Delhi will address the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has exposed divisions among members. Analysts note that while BRICS has increased multipolarity, it has yet to form a unified alternative to Western-led institutions. Some experts argue that the bloc's success lies in complicating Western dominance rather than replacing it.
The New Delhi summit represents the bloc's third attempt to reach a unified position on the Iran conflict, which has placed Tehran and Abu Dhabi on opposing sides. The meeting follows more than six months of US-Israeli military action against Iran, a BRICS member since 2024.
Formed after the 2008 financial crisis and stalled WTO trade negotiations, the group now includes eleven nations. Analysts observe that while the dollar remains dominant, the bloc's primary value lies in offering Global South countries a platform to bypass Western institutions, rather than fully replacing them.
The summit's inability to forge a unified stance on Iran could weaken BRICS' credibility as a cohesive geopolitical force, potentially emboldening Western powers to maintain current policies. Conversely, the bloc's continued existence may offer middle powers and Global South nations alternative diplomatic and economic channels, reducing their reliance on US-led frameworks. This dynamic could reshape international negotiations, though tangible security outcomes remain uncertain.