India will host the BRICS Women Working Group (WWG) Meeting in Kochi, Kerala, on July 6 and 7 as part of its BRICS Chairship 2026, bringing together senior government officials from member countries to strengthen cooperation on women's empowerment and inclusive development.

The two-day meeting will focus on promoting women-led development, enhancing policy collaboration and advancing shared priorities among BRICS nations under India's Chairship theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." The theme reflects India's emphasis on people-centric growth and sustainable global partnerships.

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, delegates from all BRICS member countries will deliberate on four key priority areas under the BRICS Women Track. These include increasing women's participation in governance and leadership, expanding digital and financial inclusion, promoting women’s entrepreneurship and skill development, and strengthening women's role in climate action, food security and nutrition.

Officials said the meeting is expected to deepen policy dialogue, facilitate the exchange of best practices and encourage collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of women across the BRICS grouping.

The Kochi meeting also serves as an important preparatory platform ahead of the BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for July 8 and 9, where ministers are expected to review the recommendations of the Working Group and reaffirm their commitment to advancing women-led development through practical cooperation.

The discussions build upon three virtual consultations held on April 30, May 22 and June 29, during which member countries worked toward consensus on key agenda items before the in-person meeting.

BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries—Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Together, the grouping accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global GDP and represents approximately 49.5 per cent of the world's population, making gender-inclusive growth a significant priority for the bloc.

Officials believe the outcomes of the Kochi meeting will contribute to stronger institutional cooperation among BRICS nations while supporting policies that promote women's economic participation, leadership opportunities and sustainable development.

India's hosting of the Women Working Group reflects its broader commitment to fostering inclusive growth and strengthening international partnerships focused on gender equality and women's empowerment within the expanding BRICS framework.

Iran Ready for 'Negotiations with Dignity' as Araghchi Set to Visit India for BRICS Meet

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday signalled Tehran's willingness to pursue negotiations with the United States, but stressed these must be conducted with "dignity" and "authority." His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and stalled diplomacy following a recent round of indirect talks.

Pezeshkian made the comments during a meeting with senior commanders of Iran's Faraja police force, where he reviewed their performance in what Iranian officials termed the "recent imposed war." According to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), he underlined that military achievements should now be backed by diplomatic efforts.

Araghchi Likely in New Delhi

In a related development, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled for May 14-15. The visit assumes significance as India, a key BRICS member, maintains balanced ties with both Iran and Western nations.

Sources familiar with the arrangements indicated the Iranian delegation would use the platform to engage with counterparts on regional stability and multilateral cooperation. New Delhi has traditionally advocated for dialogue in West Asia.

Tehran Hits Out at US 'Unreasonable Demands'

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei sharply criticised the United States for what he described as "unreasonable demands" in ongoing discussions over a proposed 14-point framework aimed at ending hostilities. Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Baghaei said Iran had responded through Pakistani mediators with what it called a "reasonable and generous" proposal.

The Iranian response reportedly includes an immediate cessation of conflict on all fronts, lifting of the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and guarantees against further attacks. Tehran has also sought the release of frozen assets and compensation for damages. US President Donald Trump dismissed the Iranian counter-proposal as "totally unacceptable."

"Whenever we are forced to fight, we will fight, and whenever there is room for diplomacy, we will seize that opportunity," Baghaei stated, adding that decisions would be guided solely by national interests.

Hormuz Tensions and International Moves

The diplomatic back-and-forth unfolds against persistent concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. Iran has warned against deployment of British and French warships in the area, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserting that security of the strait remains Tehran's responsibility.

Britain and France are co-hosting a Defence Ministers' meeting on Tuesday with representatives from over 40 nations to discuss restoring safe maritime traffic through the waterway.

Regional Spillover Continues

Meanwhile, clashes in southern Lebanon and exchanges involving Israeli forces added to the volatility. Israeli strikes were reported in areas like Nabatieh, while both sides traded accusations over drone activity near the border.

In parallel economic fallout, oil prices climbed further on Monday as uncertainty over a US-Iran deal persisted, while international gold prices saw some decline amid shifting safe-haven demand.

Background and Public Posture

The current round of indirect negotiations follows a period of intense military confrontation that Iranian officials maintain was imposed upon them. President Pezeshkian emphasised multiple pathways forward, including strengthened diplomacy to consolidate recent military gains.

Analysts note that Iran's firm yet open stance reflects both domestic pressures to safeguard sovereignty and a pragmatic recognition of the economic costs of prolonged isolation. The release of Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi on bail for medical treatment also signals some internal easing, though broader tensions remain high.

As Araghchi prepares for New Delhi, observers will watch closely for any bilateral or multilateral signals that could open fresh channels. With Trump scheduled to engage Chinese leadership soon on related matters, the coming days may prove decisive in determining whether diplomacy gains ground or if escalation risks persist.

The situation remains fluid, with multiple stakeholders closely monitoring developments that could reshape security dynamics across West Asia and beyond.