Iran has requested India, the current chair of BRICS, to play a more definitive role in the ongoing Iran–US–Israel conflict, as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz pose a threat to approximately 20% of global oil and LNG traffic. According to NS3.AI, a call on March 21 between Iranian officials and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lasted over an hour. Following the discussion, Modi condemned attacks on critical infrastructure and emphasized the importance of keeping shipping lanes open.
The situation has put pressure on BRICS to demonstrate its ability to act cohesively during a major crisis. Brent crude oil prices were recorded at $112.19 per barrel, highlighting the urgency for BRICS to address the geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.