The Israel-Iran-US conflict has put the spotlight on India as it chairs the 2026 summit in New Delhi. The heightened tensions have wreaked havoc in the global markets as stocks plunged for two consecutive days. Asian markets were the worst hit, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, Japan’s Nikkei, India’s Sensex, and South Korea’s KOSPI plummeting to yearly lows.
Whom Did BRICS Members Support? Iran or Israel?
While the founding members of BRICS have sided with Iran, India has yet to provide an official statement. Here’s what Brazil said about the ongoing conflict. “The attacks occurred amid a negotiation process between the parties, which is the only viable path to peace, a position traditionally defended by Brazil in the region,” the Brazilian government said in a statement.
BRICS member Russia also came out in support of Iran as the turmoil escalated. “The US and Israel have embarked on a perilous course, carried out airstrikes on the territory of Iran. It’s a deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state.”
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China also called the strikes on BRICS member Iran a violation of international rights. “A grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security. It tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it. We urge for an immediate stop to the military operations. No further escalation of the tense situation and joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large.”
South Africa also supported BRICS member Iran and published an official statement. “President Ramaphosa calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to act in a manner consistent with international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Article 51 of the UN Charter provides for self-defence only when a state has been subjected to an armed invasion. Anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law, and self-defence cannot be based on assumption or anticipation.”
Whom Did India Side With?
While all BRICS founding members openly supported Iran, India has not given out a statement. On March 1, India condemned Iran’s airstrike on the UAE, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Israel’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu. The Indian government did not call Iran to discuss the situation with its leadership. Modi also visited the UAE just a day before the strikes took place.
