New Delhi: Leaders of the 11-member BRICS grouping adopted a joint declaration on the first day of the two-day BRICS Summit in New Delhi, despite sharp differences among member states over the US-Israel war on Iran, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and global trade tensions.
The New Delhi Declaration called for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East but stopped short of directly naming or condemning the United States, Israel, Iran or Gulf countries.
BRICS calls for restraint in Middle East
The declaration expressed “deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions” in the Middle East and urged “maximum restraint” from all sides. It also raised concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities protected by International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.
The language was notably more cautious than last year’s BRICS declaration in Rio de Janeiro, which had condemned the US and Israeli military action against Iran as a breach of international law.
Iran and the UAE, both BRICS members, have been on opposing sides of the ongoing conflict, making consensus particularly difficult. Former Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao described India’s role in securing the declaration as a “significant diplomatic success”, while noting that consensus was achieved through carefully generalised language.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, saying the conflict did not serve the interests of the international community.
Ukraine conflict exposes further divisions
The Russia-Ukraine war also remained a contentious issue. BRICS leaders avoided directly mentioning Ukraine and instead called for international disputes to be resolved through “dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy”.
The bloc, however, criticised unilateral sanctions that lack authorisation from the United Nations Security Council. The position is significant for Russia, which has faced extensive Western sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
India has maintained close ties with Moscow despite Western pressure and has continued purchasing Russian crude oil. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the readiness of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi to contribute to peace talks on Ukraine.
Stronger stand on Palestine
On Palestine, BRICS adopted considerably more explicit language. The declaration expressed “firm opposition” to the forced displacement of Palestinians and attempts to alter the geography or demography of the occupied Palestinian territory.
It called for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza, unhindered humanitarian assistance, continued support for UNRWA and full United Nations membership for Palestine. The bloc also reiterated support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state.
BRICS challenges US tariffs, backs multipolarity
The declaration criticised unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort global trade without directly naming the United States. Washington has imposed tariffs on several BRICS members, including India, China and Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused countries operating with “colonial” mindsets of using tariffs, sanctions and force to contain emerging competitors.
BRICS also reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and a multipolar world order, calling for greater representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America in global institutions, including the UN Security Council.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said BRICS had reached a “coming of age” moment and urged the Global South to become a “rule-shaper” rather than a rule-taker.
At the same time, Modi stressed that BRICS should not be viewed as an anti-Western alliance. “BRICS is not against anyone,” he said, emphasising cooperation and inclusive global governance.
