New Delhi, May 14 -- India, which assumed the role of BRICS chair for the fourth time, is navigating the most "difficult" and "complex" leadership term in the grouping's history, according to former career diplomat Rajiv Bhatia.

The former ambassador described India's current chairship of BRICS bloc as "wearing a crown of thorns" and has the difficult job of maintaining a delicate balance between countries on the opposing sides of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

"I think we can say with a full sense of responsibility that this is a very important and complex moment in the evolution of BRICS. India has had the privilege to chair and lead this very important grouping on three previous occasions: 2012, 2016, and 2021. This fourth occasi...