BRICS Summit in India to address internal divisions over US-Iran war and global economic challenges

India is hosting the BRICS Leaders' Summit, aiming to elevate the bloc's global standing. The summit is challenged by internal divisions among members, particularly regarding the U.S.-led war on Iran, a BRICS member since 2024, with Tehran and Abu Dhabi on opposing sides. The conflict has significantly impacted global oil trade by virtually shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude prices above $100 a barrel. Key leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, are expected to attend, with a focus on finding common ground on the Middle East crisis and demonstrating unity against Western sanctions.