New Delhi, Sept. 12 -- In a major diplomatic breakthrough a joint statement will be issued by the BRICS nations during the summit today.

BRICS countries have reached consensus on a Joint Statement after intensive negotiations that continued until 4 AM on Saturday. The negotiations saw differences on several contentious issues. India led sustained consultations to bridge competing positions and build consensus among members.

The breakthrough assumes particular significance given that Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are all part of the same forum, despite deep differences and competing positions on several regional and geopolitical issues. Against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and heightened tensions in West Asia, securing consensus a...