XI CALLS ON BRICS TO TAKE LEADING ROLE IN MIDDLE EAST PEACE EFFORTS

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on BRICS countries to play a more active role in efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East, warning that the ongoing conflicts in the region are causing serious human and economic losses. Xi made the call during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, where leaders discussed major global security and economic challenges facing the international community.

The Chinese leader said the current conflicts do not serve the interests of the international community and urged BRICS members to work together to promote dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful solutions to regional disputes. He said China was prepared to work with other members of the bloc to contribute to peace and stability across the Middle East and the Gulf region, stressing that the group should make greater use of its growing international influence.

The call came as BRICS leaders expressed concern over escalating tensions across the Middle East and backed diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further conflict. The bloc's New Delhi Declaration called for maximum restraint, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and greater efforts through dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

The leaders also raised concerns over the situation in Gaza, calling for the protection of civilians, uninterrupted humanitarian access and the implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions. They opposed policies aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians from Gaza and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution involving an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Xi's appeal comes as BRICS seeks to strengthen its position as an influential voice for countries in the Global South. The expanded bloc has increasingly moved beyond economic cooperation to address international security, diplomacy and global governance, with leaders pushing for a greater role for developing countries in decisions affecting the international system.