New Delhi has signalled a marked shift in its approach to Iran, according to a report by The Diplomat. The change was evident in the most recent BRICS declaration, which was adopted at the summit in Johannesburg and omitted any reference to concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities that had featured in earlier statements.
The declaration, signed by the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to “respect for sovereign rights” and “mutual cooperation” with Iran. The language contrasts with previous BRICS communiqués that had included calls for Iran to comply with international nuclear obligations. India’s participation in the revised wording suggests a strategic recalibration of its foreign policy, balancing its long‑standing security partnership with the United States against growing economic ties with Tehran.
The Diplomat notes that the policy turn is accompanied by a series of bilateral agreements between India and Iran, covering sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure. These deals are intended to boost trade volumes that have stagnated under the weight of U.S. sanctions on Tehran. Indian officials have described the agreements as “mutually beneficial” and consistent with India’s broader “Act East” and “Neighbourhood First” strategies.
Washington has expressed concern over the development, warning that any perceived weakening of pressure on Iran could undermine non‑proliferation efforts. However, The Diplomat reports that Indian policymakers argue the shift is driven by pragmatic considerations, including the need to secure energy supplies and diversify supply chains amid global market volatility.
Analysts cited by The Diplomat suggest that India’s pivot may deepen its integration within the BRICS framework, potentially reshaping the bloc’s collective stance on sanctions and geopolitical alignments. The move also underscores the growing complexity of South‑South cooperation, where economic imperatives increasingly intersect with security calculations.
The declaration’s language on Iran is expected to be reviewed at the next BRICS summit, where member states will assess the impact of the revised approach on the group’s cohesion and on broader international efforts to address Iran’s nuclear programme.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by The Diplomat — original source: https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/brics-declaration-indias-great-u-turn-on-iran/.