India has raised significant concerns about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and its repercussions on energy supplies and maritime stability, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. During a meeting with foreign ministers from BRICS nations, including Iran's Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar from the UAE, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for 'practical ways' to address the geopolitical and economic uncertainties affecting the region. Jaishankar asserted that 'stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot be piecemeal,' advocating for safe maritime navigation as crucial for global economic well-being. He called for dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable solutions to conflicts, while also highlighting the humanitarian implications of the Gaza conflict.

Tensions between Iran and the UAE were palpable during the discussions, with recent allegations of Iranian attacks on UAE energy infrastructure complicating relations. Jaishankar sought to mediate between the two nations, stressing the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. In his address, Iran's Foreign Minister condemned U.S. actions as illegal and called for BRICS nations to resist Western hegemony. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to bolster energy cooperation with the UAE during his upcoming visit, underscoring India's strategic partnerships in the region.