In a strong joint statement released, BRICS member nations—including India—condemned the recent military strikes on Iranian territory, calling them a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
BRICS Voices “Grave Concern” Over Escalation
“We express grave concern over the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” the BRICS joint statement read.
It was published by Brazil, which currently holds the BRICS presidency.
The statement also addressed concerns around attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, emphasizing that peaceful nuclear infrastructure must not be targeted—even during armed conflicts.
Nuclear Safety Must Be Upheld
BRICS leaders warned against actions that jeopardize nuclear safety, citing relevant resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “Nuclear safeguards, safety, and security must always be upheld, including in armed conflicts,” the statement said, underlining the risk to both people and the environment.
The group reiterated its support for diplomatic initiatives to de-escalate tensions and resolve regional disputes.
India’s Most Direct Criticism Yet
India participated in formulating the joint statement, marking its most pointed criticism yet of the U.S.-Israel strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program. This includes operations against key sites at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
Fordow, in particular, was hit using a U.S. “bunker buster” bomb due to its deep underground location, estimated at 300 feet below the surface.
Although India had earlier called for dialogue and diplomacy in its June 24 statement, this joint BRICS declaration carries significantly sharper language regarding violations of international law.
Modi-Pezeshkian Call Omits U.S. Strikes
Following the strikes, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India’s official readout of the conversation did not mention the U.S. attacks, instead referring broadly to the “ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.”
India had previously expressed “deep concern” on June 13 after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, which included strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and senior military officials.
India Distanced Itself from SCO but Not BRICS
Interestingly, New Delhi had distanced itself from a similar statement by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) condemning Israel. At the time, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs clarified it had not participated in discussions on the SCO declaration, asserting that India’s position had already been stated separately.
However, India has fully aligned itself with the BRICS statement, which also calls for creating a Middle East free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, as outlined in international resolutions.
BRICS Summit to Address Regional Security
“Guided by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, BRICS remains committed to promoting international peace and security,” the statement emphasized. The bloc reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and peaceful dialogue as the only path to long-term stability.
The next BRICS Summit is scheduled for July 6–7 in Rio de Janeiro. Alongside leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and Iran, Prime Minister Modi is expected to attend as part of a broader 5-nation tour that includes Ghana, Namibia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina.
Regional Ceasefire Holds Amid Tensions
Meanwhile, a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel has held for 2 days, though both sides continue to accuse each other of violations. Tensions peaked earlier this week when Iran launched a retaliatory strike on a U.S. airbase in Qatar.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, urged Israel to hold back: “Do not drop the bombs,” he wrote on Tuesday.
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