Divide among BRICs nations exposed as Houthi rebels seize oil chokepoint in Red Sea

According to reporting from Scroll.in, the recent BRICS summit and the resulting New Delhi declaration have faced scrutiny for a perceived lack of consensus regarding the escalating security situation in the Red Sea. The report suggests that the absence of a unified stance on Houthi rebel activities in the region exposes underlying divisions within the bloc, particularly concerning the competing interests of member nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The Red Sea remains a critical global maritime chokepoint, and recent months have seen a surge in security incidents, including drone interceptions and attacks on commercial tankers. These events have drawn international concern, as the instability threatens to disrupt vital trade routes and energy supplies. While Saudi Arabia has reported direct security threats, including the interception of drones near its territory, the diplomatic response from broader international groupings remains complex.

Analysts note that the inclusion of both Saudi Arabia and Iran within the expanded BRICS framework creates a delicate diplomatic environment. The failure to address the Red Sea crisis in the New Delhi declaration is being interpreted by some observers as a sign that the bloc may prioritize internal cohesion over taking collective action on contentious regional conflicts. As Houthi rebels continue to exert pressure on maritime traffic, the ability of BRICS to manage these conflicting regional interests will likely remain a focal point for international observers.