Russia Optimistic for BRICS Summit to Address Iran-UAE Tensions

Russia has expressed hope that the upcoming BRICS summit, scheduled for September 12-13 in India, will help resolve existing differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that collaborative efforts among BRICS member states could lead to agreements on joint documents despite tensions related to the West Asia conflict.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, highlighted that the summit would focus on significant themes such as political and security collaborations, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. He addressed media inquiries during a virtual briefing from Moscow, confirming that joint initiatives aimed at combating issues like drug trafficking and terrorism would be discussed.

The backdrop of the summit features notable divisions between Iran and the UAE, both of which have been caught up in conflicting positions regarding the West Asia situation. With these tensions influencing preparatory discussions, BRICS Sherpas have convened in New Delhi to finalise the declaration text planned for endorsement at the summit. Reports indicate ongoing disagreements between Iran and the UAE regarding the text that would reference the West Asia situation.

Responding to questions about these differences, Peskov expressed optimism that member states would reach a consensus that respects the interests of both nations. He noted that Russia is ready to assist in mending relations between Iran and the UAE, both valued partners of Moscow. "The UAE and Iran – understandably there are contradictions in their positions and understandably they’re now experiencing problems in their bilateral relations," he stated. He emphasised Russia's commitment to regional stability, highlighting the need for mutual trust and denouncing aggressive actions.

However, Peskov acknowledged the complications these tensions have introduced into the drafting of the summit declaration, stating, "Yes, of course, it has a negative impact and it makes the work of drafting the papers more complicated. But we have very talented diplomats, and we have no doubt that necessary phrasings will be found to satisfy the national interests of both countries concerned."

In a previous meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in May, discussions ended without a joint statement, revealing significant rifts during interactions between Iranian and UAE officials. The recent chair's statement issued by India acknowledged a lack of unanimity on certain points.

Peskov reiterated the three critical areas of cooperation within BRICS, such as security, space exploration, and reforming global institutions like the United Nations. He also mentioned the importance of food security, technology, and healthcare as focal points for collaboration.

On the financial front, Peskov revealed that a substantial portion of transactions among BRICS nations has switched to national currencies, amounting to 90%. He clarified that this pivot is not intended as a push to eliminate the US dollar from global transactions but is rather a response to the politicisation of currency use by some nations. He argued that the erosion of trust in the dollar has prompted BRICS countries to increasingly favour trade in their national currencies.

Peskov emphasised that BRICS should not be viewed as an anti-West coalition. Characterising BRICS as a "club" without a formal charter, he stated, "BRICS is for BRICS members and those countries that share the BRICS ideology. It is not against any third party."

Leaders from various BRICS member states, including President Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, are expected to attend the summit alongside representatives from Egypt, South Africa, and emerging partners such as Vietnam and Malaysia. The BRICS bloc, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was expanded in 2024 to include countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, representing nearly half of the global population and a significant share of the world economy.

As international relations continue to evolve, the BRICS summit represents a crucial platform for discussing collaboration among emerging economies, particularly amid complex geopolitical challenges.