New Delhi | In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, BRICS countries have reached a consensus on a joint statement after intensive negotiations that went on till the early hours of Saturday, government sources said.

The negotiations saw differences on several contentious issues, but India led sustained consultations, which went on till 4 am, 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, the sources said.

Against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and heightened tensions in West Asia, reaching a consensus among countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE presented a particularly complex diplomatic challenge.

India's diplomatic prowess ensured that these differences did not derail the BRICS process, paving the way for the consensus joint statement, the sources said.

India is hosting the BRICS summit from September 12 to 13. It is being attended by leaders of 11 member countries and 10 partner countries besides some international organisations.

Leaders attending the summit include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.