11-Nation Bloc Condemns Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure, Nuclear Facilities
Leaders of the 11-member BRICS group, including China, Russia, Iran and India, have called for maximum restraint and calm amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, the leaders expressed concern over the worsening situation in the Middle East and West Asia.
“We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions,” the statement said, urging countries to avoid actions that could further aggravate the crisis.
The bloc also condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities operating under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.
It stressed that nuclear safety, security and safeguards must be maintained even during armed conflicts to protect people and the environment.
The joint statement came after BRICS foreign ministers failed to reach agreement on a communique during their May meeting in New Delhi, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates divided over the conflict.
Host India subsequently led diplomatic efforts that resulted in an agreement among leaders at Saturday’s summit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said the ongoing Middle East war does not serve the interests of the international community, according to Chinese state media.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the leaders attending the summit.
The BRICS leaders also called for stronger global action to address growing polarisation and distrust and strengthen international peace and security.