The issue has emerged as a key diplomatic challenge for India's chairship, with members divided over the conflict and its wider regional implications. The basic operating principle of BRICS remains consensus, particularly as the grouping has expanded to include countries with varied geopolitical interests.

'BRICS framework is based on consensus. As chair, we want engagement, dialogue with members,' a source said, adding that India has sought to remain transparent in its consultations.

He described the expanded grouping as one marked by 'diversity' and different experiences, making dialogue and diplomacy particularly important to its functioning.

Consultations on the West Asia crisis are continuing through the BRICS Sherpa channel, while work is under way on the document that leaders will consider at the summit.

India's approach has been to identify areas where members can converge rather than allow differences on contentious political questions to derail the wider BRICS agenda.

'India has stood for dialogue and diplomacy,' the source said, adding that members have highlighted the need for an early resolution of the crisis, protection of civilians and safe and unimpeded movement through international waterways.

India will continue engaging members in an effort to find 'landing zones' that could eventually allow the grouping to articulate a common position at the leaders' level.

On BRICS discussions around payments, local currencies and digital payment infrastructure, the source sought to play down suggestions that the initiative was aimed at any particular country.

The discussions are intended to examine practical ways of reducing transaction costs and improving payment and settlement arrangements among BRICS economies. The work is continuing at the technical and finance-track levels, with a meeting of BRICS finance ministers and central bank representatives expected in early September.

India has also been sharing its experience with digital public infrastructure, including UPI, with partner countries. Discussions are under way on improving interoperability of digital payment systems, including through pilot projects.

The broader objective is to facilitate greater trade and investment among BRICS economies while making existing international payment arrangements more efficient.

The source also stressed the importance of expanding and balancing trade within BRICS. 'We would like to have more balanced trade between BRICS countries,' he said.

The New Development Bank was described as a 'concrete manifestation' of what BRICS countries can accomplish together, particularly through financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in member countries.

India is due to assume the chairpersonship of the NDB next year and would seek to ensure that the institution continues to meet the development aspirations of its members. The bank is also expected to remain part of discussions on financial cooperation, alongside the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and other mechanisms developed by the grouping.

The source also pointed to cooperation beyond traditional economic and political issues, including space. A meeting of BRICS space agencies in Bengaluru brought representatives together to examine ways of expanding cooperation in the sector and developing the space economy.

India has sought to use its BRICS chairship to promote cooperation across technology, health, agriculture and innovation, with an emphasis on practical benefits and development outcomes.

On further expansion of the grouping, the source indicated that consolidation is currently the priority. BRICS has expanded from its original five members to 11, while also creating a partner-country category. The immediate focus is integrating newer members and partner countries into the grouping's areas of cooperation.

'There are agreed procedures and modalities,' the source said, adding that any future discussion on expansion would continue to be guided by consensus and the existing framework.

On Saudi Arabia, he said Riyadh had been invited to join BRICS and continues to engage with the grouping. Saudi Arabia has participated in BRICS activities without formally confirming its position on full membership and has also been invited to attend the upcoming summit, according to the official.

Asked about the political message of India's BRICS chairship, the source described the presidency as an effort to consolidate existing initiatives while introducing new cooperation focused on developing economies and the Global South.

The chairship has involved governments, business groups, women entrepreneurs, academics and civil society organisations. Ministries across the Indian government have also dedicated BRICS units, while India has sought to share domestic experiences including UPI and digital health with BRICS partners.

On the impact of US sanctions and tariffs, the source said India was examining their implications. He also pointed to earlier BRICS declarations and outcome documents, saying the grouping had already articulated its position on unilateral economic measures.

With the leaders' summit approaching, India's immediate challenge is to prevent geopolitical disagreements from overwhelming the broader BRICS agenda. The West Asia crisis has highlighted the complexities of consensus within the expanded grouping, while New Delhi is seeking to keep channels of consultation open.