A BRICS summit scheduled for September 12 to 13, 2026, has raised expectations that major members India and China may collaborate to rally the bloc in resolving the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes as the United States struggles to make significant progress on the issue.

The 11-member BRICS grouping wields considerable economic influence, accounting for about 40% of the world's gross domestic product. Analysts suggest the summit could facilitate parallel diplomacy amid the global energy crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict.

Uday Chandra, a political-science professor at India's Ashoka University, noted, “I see a convergence of interests between India and China, though not necessarily a convergence in geopolitical positions.” He explained that both countries aim to contain the Iran and Ukraine wars, secure energy supplies, fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and stabilize the global economy in the medium term.

Chandra also highlighted India's vital strategic partnerships with the US, Europe, Israel, the UAE, and Ukraine, suggesting that these differences might paradoxically enhance India-China cooperation within BRICS.

Additionally, Brazil is seen as a key voice and bridge for the Global South, potentially helping to smooth internal divides within the bloc.

The summit represents a critical test for BRICS as it seeks to leverage its economic clout to address pressing geopolitical and energy challenges.

Sources