Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on BRICS to take a stronger role in international affairs, saying the grouping should become a “Voice for justice” and play a more active role in addressing global conflicts and political challenges.
Pezeshkian made the remarks during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where leaders discussed global governance, economic cooperation, international security and the role of the Global South.
Focus on Palestinian Rights
- Pezeshkian said the Palestinian issue represents an important test for international leadership. He called on BRICS to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and work towards ending the occupation.
- His remarks come as the expanded BRICS grouping discusses a greater role for developing and emerging countries in international decision-making.
- The BRICS summit’s joint declaration also addressed the Middle East conflict and expressed opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians.
Stronger BRICS Cooperation
- The Iranian president also called for greater political, economic and technological cooperation among BRICS members.
- He has advocated stronger economic links between member countries, including greater use of national currencies and independent payment mechanisms that would reduce dependence on financial systems controlled by individual countries.
- Pezeshkian also called for the creation of a permanent BRICS secretariat and stronger mechanisms to resist unilateral sanctions.
Greater Role for the Global South
- The Iranian president argued that BRICS should contribute to reforming international institutions and give developing countries a stronger voice in global decision making.
- His comments align with a broader theme at the New Delhi summit, where BRICS leaders discussed creating a more multipolar international system and strengthening cooperation among countries of the Global South.
- The expanded BRICS grouping now includes major emerging economies from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, giving the bloc a broader geographic and economic reach.
Economic and Technological Cooperation
- Pezeshkian also emphasized cooperation in areas such as Trade, Investment, Technology and Finance.
- His proposals include strengthening economic resilience, expanding trade using national currencies and developing alternative payment channels. These ideas are part of a wider BRICS discussion about reducing vulnerability to external financial pressure and strengthening economic cooperation among members.
Iran’s Role in BRICS
- Iran has become an increasingly important member of the expanded BRICS grouping. Tehran has pushed for greater cooperation among developing countries and has repeatedly called for changes to international institutions that it says do not adequately represent the Global South.
- Pezeshkian’s participation in the New Delhi summit also comes amid wider Middle East tensions. During the summit, Iran and the United Arab Emirates held high level talks, while BRICS members endorsed a joint statement calling for restraint and the protection of civilians and international trade routes.
Why It Matters
- Pezeshkian’s remarks reflect Iran’s effort to use BRICS as a platform for greater political and economic cooperation among non-Western powers.
- The challenge for BRICS will be turning broad political statements into practical cooperation while managing differences among its members.
- The bloc includes countries with different foreign policy priorities, but leaders at the New Delhi summit demonstrated an ability to reach common positions on several global issues, including calls for de-escalation in the Middle East and greater representation for the Global South.
