India has joined the BRICS grouping to “express grave concern” over the “military strikes against Iran” since June 13 and has called it a “violation of international law and UN Charter. PM Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the BRICS summit on July 5-6.Iran expressed “gratitude” to India’s “freedom-loving” citizens, political parties, institutions and others who stood by Tehran in the face of military attacks on it by Israel and the US.This comes 10 days after India had distanced itself from a statement issued by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which condemned the military strikes carried out by Israel.A joint statement by BRICS said, “We express grave concern over the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East.”It also said, “In the face of rising tensions with unpredictable consequences for international peace and security, as well as for the world economy, we underscore the urgent need to break the cycle of violence and restore peace. We call on all parties to engage through existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy, with a view to de-escalating the situation and resolving their differences through peaceful means.”“We express serious concern over any attacks against peaceful nuclear installations that are carried out in violation of international law and relevant resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Nuclear safeguards, safety, and security must always be upheld, including in armed conflicts, to protect people and the environment from harm. In this context, we reiterate our support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at addressing regional challenges,” it said, alluding to the strikes by US and Israel on nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz.It said that civilian lives must be protected, and civilian infrastructure must be safeguarded, in full compliance with international humanitarian law. “We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and express our solidarity with civilians affected,” it said.Story continues below this ad“Guided by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, BRICS remains committed to promoting international peace and security and to fostering diplomacy and peaceful dialogue as the only sustainable path toward long-term stability in the region. In this regard, we also reaffirm the necessity of establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, in line with relevant international resolutions. We call upon the international community to support and facilitate dialogue processes, uphold international law, and contribute constructively to peaceful settlements of disputes for the benefit of all humanity,” it said, adding that BRICS countries will remain seized of the matter.In a statement, the Iranian embassy in Delhi said it appreciates the “genuine and invaluable support” to those siding with Tehran.The Iranian embassy extended “heartfelt gratitude” to all “freedom-loving” people of India –including political parties, members of Parliament, non-governmental organisations, religious and spiritual leaders, university professors, members of the media, social activists, and all individuals and institutions who stood firmly and vocally with Iran.The embassy said messages of solidarity, support, public statements, and active participation in peace-oriented gatherings when the Iranian people were under military assault, were a source of “deep encouragement”.Story continues below this ad“The steadfastness of the Iranian people in the face of this blatant aggression was not merely a defence of their homeland and national dignity, but a symbol of resistance against the grave violations of the United Nations Charter, humanitarian principles, and the foundational norms of international law,” it said.The solidarity of nations with the people of Iran is not simply a political stance — it is an affirmation of the universal values of justice, legality, and global peace, it said.“The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasized the need to uphold the principles of international law and to resist expansionist and aggressive policies.“We firmly believe that the unity and solidarity of nations serve as a powerful bulwark against war, violence, and injustice,” the embassy said.Story continues below this adOn June 14, SCO, currently chaired by China, called Israel’s “aggressive actions against civilian targets (in Iran), including energy and transport infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties, a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter”.In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement… India’s own position on the matter had been articulated by us on June 13, 2025, and remains the same. We urge that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation and it is essential that the international community undertake endeavours in that direction.” It said that India’s “overall position” was communicated to other SCO members.In its statement, the SCO had expressed “serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and strongly condemn(ed) the military strikes carried out by Israel on the territory of Iran.”“They (actions) constitute an infringement on Iran’s sovereignty, cause damage to regional and international security, and pose serious risks to global peace and stability,” the SCO statement had said.