The BRICS meeting in India opened in New Delhi as Iran’s war and rising shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz tested the bloc’s unity.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived for the May 14-15 talks and urged BRICS members to condemn US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called for safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waters.
India also condemned a suspected attack on the Indian-flagged MSV Haji Ali off Oman. Officials said rescue teams saved all 14 crew members.
The vessel was sailing from Somalia to Sharjah when a fire broke out after the suspected strike, India’s shipping ministry said.
Read: Trump Threatens 10% Tariff on BRICS Nations for Anti-American Policies
Iran and the United Arab Emirates also clashed at the meeting after Araghchi accused Abu Dhabi of involvement in attacks on Iran.
The meeting prepares the agenda for the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled for September in New Delhi.
