The BRICS summit arrives in New Delhi this week as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East cast long shadows over the global economy and intensify geopolitical tensions.
India, hosting the September 12-13 meeting of the bloc, has maintained a consistent foreign policy stance across these crises: resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, safeguarding civilians, and preserving channels of communication.
Despite Western pressure, New Delhi has adhered to its chosen course, most notably in its continued purchases of Russian oil. The nation has also engaged with both Moscow and Kiev, as well as countries aligned on opposing sides of Middle Eastern conflicts.
This approach aligns with India’s long-standing principle of strategic autonomy—enabling the country to pursue foreign policy decisions based on its own interests rather than external alliances.
How is India engaging with Russia and Ukraine?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored this position at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek last week, stating that conflicts “cannot be resolved on the battlefield” and emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as the path to resolution.
In similar vein, Modi reiterated his stance during private talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing Middle Eastern and Black Sea region disputes. He stressed that dialogue and diplomacy were essential for resolving these conflicts and called for a global shift from “endless war to the end of war,” which he stated serves humanity’s interests.
Days later, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar traveled to Kiev for what was described as India’s first standalone bilateral visit to Ukraine by an Indian foreign minister. The discussions centered on international peace initiatives and potential Indian roles in conflict resolution efforts.
India has continued its purchases of Russian oil despite Western sanctions. During his meeting in Kiev, Jaishankar argued that restricting such trade would not resolve the conflict. “This conflict will be solved by dialogue, by diplomacy, by negotiation,” he stated. He also noted that New Delhi respects Ukraine’s perspective on Russian energy and expects India’s position to be acknowledged.
At the United Nations, New Delhi has maintained its stance by abstaining in February from a Ukrainian-backed resolution demanding an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire.
What is India’s position on the Middle East conflict?
India has applied a comparable strategy to the Middle Eastern crisis sparked by U.S.-led attacks on Iran.
During his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Modi expressed concern over escalating tensions and reiterated that all issues should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. He also highlighted the priority of maintaining open sea routes, stating that freedom of navigation and commerce must be preserved for civilians and civilian infrastructure—including commercial shipping and seafarers.
India’s energy supplies and trade depend heavily on maritime routes in the region, making this issue critical.
On Israel and Palestine, New Delhi continues to advocate for a negotiated two-state solution. Modi reiterated this position in July, stating that India supports “the pursuit of lasting peace.” Much of the same emphasis on dialogue, civilian protection, sovereignty, international law, and safe maritime commerce has been carried into BRICS discussions.
What does India’s diplomacy-first approach provide?
India’s consistent diplomatic posture at BRICS, the SCO, and the UN has allowed it to avoid taking sides while retaining autonomy in foreign policy.
However, New Delhi has not hesitated to address global security threats. At the SCO summit, Modi described terrorism as a grave threat to humanity and urged members to dismantle networks involved in financing, recruitment, radicalization, and safe havens. He also called for “no double standards” in counter-terrorism efforts.
As BRICS leaders convene in New Delhi, India’s capacity to serve as a stabilizing force amid escalating global tensions will be critical.
