Iran-UAE Talks, GCC Summit In Oman And Strait Of Hormuz Crisis Examined

The BRICS summit concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, focusing on economic cooperation, resilience, innovation, and sustainability while balancing the interests of an expanded membership. The declaration highlights concerns over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort international commerce and run contrary to multilateral trading rules. It further addresses counter-terrorism priorities, emphasising zero tolerance and the rejection of double standards following cross-border terror attacks. The framework aims to maintain developing nations' policy autonomy amid global geopolitical turbulence without positioning the bloc as an antagonistic entity against the West. In addition to multilateral consensus on international trade and security, the summit facilitated sideline engagements between regional powers, including bilateral discussions between Iranian and United Arab Emirates leadership aimed at addressing regional stability and the continuity of trade and energy corridors across strategic maritime routes.

On day two of the 18th BRICS Summit, the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration marked a significant diplomatic milestone for India. During the opening session titled 'Innovation, Cooperation, Resilience', Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised inclusivity, a humanity-first approach, and an alternative global architecture spanning space to undersea cooperation. Analysts and experts highlighted the 140-point declaration as a breakthrough reflecting an independent voice for BRICS amid evolving geopolitical realities and questioning of legacy institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the World Bank, and the IMF. Discussions also noted key sideline engagements brokered in New Delhi, including interactions between Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and the Crown Prince of the UAE. The summit underscored India's sustained push for multipolarity, reform in global decision-making bodies, and enhanced collaboration among member nations and dialogue partners.

Key initiatives under the BRICS framework focus on four central pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. To tackle global disruptions, pandemics, and climate disasters, measures include the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for infectious disease prevention, Early Warning Data Integration Guidelines for disaster management, and a Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework. Innovation initiatives comprise the BRICS Incubator Network, a proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund, and a digital agriculture network integrating geospatial technology and artificial intelligence. Additional cooperation platforms include the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal, the BRICS Urban Mobility Hub, and BRICS Connect to boost workforce participation and skills. Sustainable development measures include the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for smart grids, clean energy storage, and centres for agroecology and regenerative agriculture. These efforts aim to support inclusive global growth and make adaptable solutions accessible for the Global South.

The extended session of the BRICS Summit convened in New Delhi under the theme of resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability for inclusive global growth. Member nations adopted a consensus joint declaration, reaching agreement on key paragraphs concerning the situation in West Asia despite regional tensions. The declaration prioritised dialogue and diplomacy while addressing the smooth flow of global trade, supply chains, and energy security. Deliberations highlighted concerns over unilateral tariff measures inconsistent with international trade norms and underscored the promotion of cross-border settlements in local currencies. Leaders and invited nations attended the plenary session following day one negotiations to reinforce multilateral cooperation and discuss evolving international payment mechanisms.