India is working to bring BRICS members onto a shared diplomatic position as the West Asia conflict deepens and divides the bloc. According to Randhir Jaiswal, consultations are continuing through the Sherpa channel.
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“Some BRICS countries are directly involved in the current situation in West Asia. Because of this, it has been difficult to build a common BRICS position on the conflict,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, while briefing the media on Saturday.
Jaiswal explained that India, which is currently chairing BRICS, has been trying to facilitate discussions among member nations through diplomatic channels known as the Sherpa process. A virtual meeting of BRICS Sherpas was held on March 12 to discuss the evolving situation.
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However, because several member countries are directly connected to the crisis, reaching a shared position has proven complicated. He added that India’s leadership is also speaking with different BRICS capitals and will continue engaging with them in the hope of eventually shaping a collective stance.
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#WATCH | Delhi: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “Members of the BRICS, are directly involved in the current situation in West Asia. This has impacted forging a consensus on a common BRICS position on the ongoing conflict. As chair of BRICS, we have been facilitating… pic.twitter.com/ys7wWnKPOb
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2026
Amid the growing regional tensions, Jaiswal also confirmed that the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Lavan remains docked at Kochi.
The ship had earlier requested docking support from India after developing technical issues while operating in regional waters. Iran formally approached New Delhi on February 28 asking for urgent assistance. India granted approval on March 1, allowing the vessel to dock safely.
Since March 4, IRIS Lavan has been stationed at Kochi port while technical matters related to the vessel are addressed.
The ship had been sailing in the region as part of Iran’s naval presence during the International Fleet Review 2026, held from February 15 to 25. It also had association with MILAN 2026, a major international naval gathering.
While the ship itself remains in India, several members of its crew have already left the country.
According to the MEA, Iranian authorities organised a special charter flight from Kochi to bring back their citizens stranded in India. The aircraft carried non-essential crew members from IRIS Lavan as well as other Iranian nationals who had been unable to travel due to widespread flight disruptions caused by the conflict.
Jaiswal said the travel disruptions had left many Iranians stuck in India, prompting Tehran to arrange the chartered evacuation flight.
Only the essential crew required to manage the ship remain on board in Kochi.
The situation surrounding the Iranian vessel gained greater attention after a dramatic maritime incident involving another Iranian ship.
Reports said that IRIS Dena sunk on March 4 after a torpedo launched from a United States submarine struck it. The attack reportedly took place around 20 nautical miles west of Galle.
The incident came during a rapidly escalating confrontation in West Asia and raised fears about the safety of naval vessels operating across the Indian Ocean region.
Although IRIS Lavan had no involvement in that attack, the episode highlighted how tense the maritime environment has become.
During the briefing, Jaiswal said India has been consistently urging all sides to reduce tensions.
New Delhi has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomacy instead of military escalation. India has also emphasised the need to protect civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, as attacks on such targets could trigger wider global consequences.
According to Jaiswal, the effects of the conflict are already showing up across the world, particularly in trade and energy markets.
One of the biggest worries for many countries is the disruption of shipping routes that carry oil and gas supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz is critical passage connecting Persian Gulf to Arabian Sea. A significant portion of the world’s energy shipments passes through this narrow waterway.
Because of the conflict, Iran has effectively restricted movement through the strait by creating serious concerns about energy supply chains and shipping safety.
For country like India which depends heavily on imported energy, any disruption in this route could have major economic consequences.
Despite the tense conditions, some Indian vessels have successfully navigated the region.
Jaiswal said that INS Shivalik and INS Nanda Devi have already crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are currently on their way to Indian ports.
At the same time, several other ships remain on standby in the Gulf region while authorities continue to monitor the security situation.
India has also intensified its diplomatic engagement over the past several days.
According to the MEA, New Delhi has been in contact with multiple countries, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as Iran, the United States and Israel.
The goal of these discussions has been to convey India’s concerns about energy security and to encourage measures that keep maritime trade routes open.
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