As the BRICS summit convenes in New Delhi this week, escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to cast shadows over global economic stability and intensify geopolitical tensions.
India, hosting the September 12-13 meeting of the bloc, has maintained a consistent foreign policy approach across these crises: resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, safeguarding civilians, and preserving communication channels. This stance has been upheld despite Western pressure, particularly regarding its continued purchases of Russian oil, and New Delhi’s active engagement with both Moscow and Kiev as well as nations on opposing sides of Middle Eastern conflicts.
The strategy aligns with India’s long-standing commitment to strategic autonomy—a framework enabling the nation to craft foreign policy decisions based on its own interests rather than external geopolitical alignments.
During a recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored that conflicts “cannot be resolved on the battlefield,” emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as the necessary paths forward. He reiterated this message during sideline discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that the same principles apply to Middle Eastern and Black Sea regional disputes.
Modi also called for a global shift from “endless war” toward “the end of war,” which he stated serves humanity’s interest.
Following these engagements, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar made history with his first standalone bilateral visit to Ukraine in Kiev. The discussions centered on international peace initiatives and potential Indian contributions to conflict resolution efforts.
India has continued its oil imports from Russia despite Western sanctions, a move that Jaishankar justified by stating that restricting such purchases would not resolve the conflict. “This conflict will be solved by dialogue, by diplomacy, by negotiation,” he said in Kiev, adding that New Delhi respects Ukraine’s perspective on Russian energy and expects India’s position to be similarly respected.
At the United Nations, New Delhi adhered to this approach by abstaining from a February resolution proposed by Ukraine calling for an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire.
In the Middle East, India has adopted parallel principles. During his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Modi expressed concern over rising tensions and reiterated that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also highlighted the critical need to maintain open sea routes, stating that civilians and commercial infrastructure—including shipping and seafarers—must remain protected. This emphasis on maritime security is vital for India, which relies heavily on regional trade routes.
On Israel and Palestine, New Delhi continues to advocate for a negotiated two-state solution. Modi reiterated this stance in July, emphasizing India’s support for “the pursuit of lasting peace.” These principles have been integrated into BRICS discussions, focusing on dialogue, civilian safety, sovereignty, international law, and secure maritime commerce.
India’s diplomacy-first approach has allowed it to maintain neutrality while effectively addressing global challenges. The nation’s emphasis on non-alignment in foreign policy has provided flexibility without compromising its strategic interests.
At the SCO summit, Modi also addressed terrorism as a grave threat to humanity, urging members to dismantle networks involved in financing, recruitment, radicalization, and safe havens. He further stressed that there should be “no double standards” in counterterrorism efforts.
As BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi, India’s ability to serve as a stabilizing force in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape will be crucial.