BRICS reaffirms support for Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as capital

BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi recently reaffirmed support for an independent and viable State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the Chair’s Statement issued after the two-day summit.

The ministers also backed full United Nations membership for Palestine and reiterated support for a two-state solution in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

The statement described Gaza and the West Bank as inseparable parts of the occupied Palestinian territories and called for both to be unified under the Palestinian Authority.

Despite consensus on Palestine, disagreements among members prevented the adoption of a formal joint communique. Instead, India, as chair, released a Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document.

Diplomatic tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates emerged as a major obstacle during the meeting.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the UAE of supporting U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran and said states that aided those operations should be held accountable. The UAE has denied direct involvement.

The two sides also differed over language relating to Gaza and the Strait of Hormuz.

Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s position that the Strait lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman and should be managed exclusively by the two countries. Other BRICS members emphasised the need for the safe and unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways.

The Chair’s Statement noted that “differing views” remained among members on the broader situation in West Asia.

The ministers urged continued dialogue between the United States and Iran and stressed the importance of diplomacy, regional stability and the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also used the meeting to reaffirm Moscow’s commitment to energy cooperation with India and to discuss progress on the International North-South Transport Corridor.