India steers BRICS to joint declaration despite internal divisions

The recent BRICS summit concluded with a deliberately vague joint statement, reflecting persistent divergent interests and internal commercial tensions, particularly between India and China. While a collective stance on moderation in the Middle East and inclusive growth was projected, the lack of concrete policy shifts indicates continued fragmentation within the bloc. India's diplomatic efforts focused on securing a declaration by avoiding contentious geopolitical issues, thereby preserving unity at the expense of substantive positions.