BRICS Summit in India: A Test of Unity Amid Global Conflict

The Stage Is Set for a Divided BRICS

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi for the upcoming BRICS summit, he steps into a complex geopolitical landscape where internal divisions are already showing. The summit, set to bring together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, is expected to be dominated by two major conflicts: the war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

This gathering marks a pivotal moment for BRICS — an alliance originally formed in 2009 as a counterweight to Western-dominated global institutions. Since then, it has expanded beyond its core members to include countries with starkly different political and economic interests, especially when it comes to global crises like the war in Ukraine and Iran's regional ambitions.

"The Gulf conflict is going to be the central fault line this time during the BRICS summit," said Harsh V Pant from India's Observer Research Foundation. "What was seen until last year as an achievement – the expansion of BRICS – today looks like a big constraint on BRICS."

The inclusion of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE has added layers of complexity to discussions. While these countries share a common desire to challenge U.S. influence, their divergent stances on issues such as Israel and Iran's nuclear program create significant hurdles.

Putin's Return to India: A Sign of Strategic Renewal

Putin's visit to India is not just symbolic — it reflects Moscow's ongoing efforts to deepen strategic partnerships in Asia, particularly with a nation that has become increasingly important in global energy markets. In recent years, India has emerged as one of Russia's largest buyers of crude oil, especially amid international sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.

This relationship is both a source of economic opportunity for Russia and a diplomatic risk for India, particularly given Washington's increasing pressure on New Delhi to align more closely with the U.S.-led global order. Despite this, India has maintained a neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict while continuing to engage diplomatically with both sides.

India's approach was underscored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kyiv earlier this month, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty. However, New Delhi also remains cautious in its relationship with the U.S., especially after years of strained relations following India's refusal to join the Quad military alliance.

China's Delicate Diplomacy

Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to attend the summit, marking his first visit to India since 2019. The two nations, once adversaries, have been slowly rebuilding trust after a brutal border clash in 2020 that left dozens dead and significantly damaged their military cooperation.

The warming of ties between China and India is reflected in renewed diplomatic activity — including the resumption of high-level exchanges, increased trade flows, and the revival of passenger flights. Yet, deep-rooted issues such as territorial disputes, a growing trade deficit, and competition for influence in South Asia still hinder full normalization.

For Xi, the summit represents an opportunity to further cement China's role as a global leader and to push back against Western-dominated institutions like the WTO and the IMF. His presence also signals a continued interest in shaping a multipolar world order — one where non-Western powers can lead without needing to rely on the U.S.-led frameworks that have long dominated global governance.

Iran's Emerging Role

Iran's participation in the summit is particularly significant, as it marks the first time since 2018 that an Iranian president has visited India. This visit will be seen as a test of New Delhi's ability to manage its relationship with Tehran — especially given the tensions between Iran and Israel, which have been exacerbated by the U.S.-led military operations in the region.

Indian policymakers are walking a tightrope, balancing their historical ties with both Israel and Iran while maintaining a strong relationship with Washington. With oil prices rising due to supply disruptions caused by conflict in the Persian Gulf, India's decision to increase imports from Russia could have long-term implications for its foreign policy — and potentially strain relations with the West.

BRICS Under Fire: The Challenge of Cohesion

One of the most critical challenges facing this year's summit is maintaining cohesion among its diverse members. A recent meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in May ended without a unified statement, signaling that even basic consensus-building remains difficult.

"The war in Iran will provide a stern test of the (expanded) group's cohesion," noted Shilan Shah from Capital Economics. "If the group fails to find common ground on how to respond to these conflicts, it risks becoming less relevant on the global stage."">

Despite this, BRICS continues to be an influential player in shaping global development strategies, particularly through its New Development Bank and initiatives aimed at promoting economic cooperation among emerging economies.

The Road Ahead: Is BRICS Still Relevant?

At a time when multilateral institutions are facing skepticism and fragmentation, the BRICS summit offers a rare glimpse into how the world's major non-Western powers might collaborate in the face of global uncertainty. However, success will depend largely on whether member states can navigate their differences and find shared interests beyond just economic cooperation.

India's leadership under Modi plays a crucial role here. While it seeks to maintain strategic autonomy from both the U.S. and China, Delhi must also ensure that its engagement with other BRICS members doesn't come at the cost of international credibility or security commitments.

In the end, the outcome of this summit may define whether BRICS remains a viable alternative to Western-led governance structures — or whether it becomes another casualty of geopolitical rivalry.