Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will visit New Delhi this week to attend the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, where discussions are expected to focus on the growing West Asia crisis, regional stability, and global energy security. The two-day meeting, scheduled for May 14 and 15 under India’s BRICS chairmanship, comes at a time when tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel continue to affect the Strait of Hormuz and international oil markets. India, which depends heavily on oil shipments passing through the strait, is closely watching developments.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes. A large share of global crude oil exports passes through this narrow waterway. Any disruption in the region can increase fuel prices and impact countries like India that import large amounts of oil. As External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets Abbas Araghchi during the BRICS meeting, safe movement of India-bound vessels through Hormuz is expected to remain a key topic.

Iran joined BRICS as a full member in 2024, and Araghchi’s visit marks his first trip to India since the recent conflict involving Iranian, Israeli, and US military strikes. Although a ceasefire was announced in April, both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement, raising fears of renewed instability in West Asia.

What will BRICS discuss during the meeting?

The BRICS meeting is expected to focus on multilateral cooperation, economic resilience, and ways to reduce tensions in the region. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to attend, while China’s Wang Yi may skip the event due to other international commitments.

For India, the gathering offers an opportunity to support peaceful dialogue without damaging ties with important global partners. BRICS has expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and other nations, but the group has faced challenges in presenting a united position on the West Asia crisis because of differing interests among member countries.

Iran hopes stronger engagement within BRICS will help reduce Western pressure and open new economic opportunities. A successful meeting in New Delhi could strengthen preparations for the BRICS leaders’ summit later in 2026. However, failure to reach common ground may expose divisions within the growing bloc and weaken its image as a major voice for the Global South.