Full Breakdown
India’s Jaishankar Urges Unimpeded Maritime Flows and End to Unilateral Sanctions at BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting
5/15/2026, 12:19:26 AM
Jaishankar Calls for Secure Maritime Routes at BRICS Meeting
On 14 May 2026, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar addressed the BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi, stressing that safe, unimpeded maritime flows through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are essential for global economic well-being.
Conflict in West Asia and Energy Market Disruption
The U.S.–Israeli war in Iran, which began on 28 February 2026, has effectively closed the Hormuz corridor, choking tanker traffic and driving energy prices higher, raising concerns about inflation and a possible global downturn.
Participants and Divergent Positions
The meeting gathered foreign ministers from the ten BRICS members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. Iran’s FM Abbas Araqchi and UAE Deputy FM Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar attended, reflecting opposing stances on the West Asia conflict.
Timeline of Key Events
- 28 Feb 2026 – U.S.–Israeli war in Iran begins.
- Early May 2026 – Hormuz disruptions intensify.
- 14 May 2026 – BRICS foreign ministers meet in New Delhi.
Impact on Global Economy
The Hormuz shutdown threatens the uninterrupted flow of oil that underpins the economies of many developing nations, making energy costs volatile and raising the risk of inflationary pressure worldwide. Persistent disruptions could also impede global trade routes, undermining growth prospects across both emerging and advanced markets.
Official Indian Position
Jaishankar urged the international community to cease unilateral coercive measures and sanctions that contravene the UN Charter and international law. He called on BRICS to assume a constructive, stabilising role that safeguards developing economies and promotes dialogue over pressure tactics.
Internal BRICS Disagreement
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi and UAE Deputy Foreign Minister Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, representing opposing sides of the West Asia war, have blocked consensus on a joint BRICS statement. Their clash highlights deeper geopolitical fissures within the bloc, complicating coordinated responses to the crisis.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While analysts describe the Hormuz shutdown as one of the largest disruptions to energy markets in recent history, no official figures on the volume of oil delayed or the exact price spikes have been published, leaving the true scale of the impact ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being.” — Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indian Foreign Minister
- “We must also address the increasing resort to unilateral coercive measures and sanctions inconsistent with international law and the UN Charter,” — Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
- “The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention,” — Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
- “Such measures disproportionately affect developing countries. These unjustifiable measures cannot substitute dialogue, nor can pressure replace diplomacy.” — Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Outlook: BRICS Role and Future Diplomacy
As BRICS chair for 2026, India intends to convene follow-up sessions that will address maritime security, propose mechanisms for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, and develop a coordinated stance against unilateral sanctions. The agenda aims to balance the interests of both Iran and the UAE while preserving global trade flows.
