BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Context:
Recently, The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, reaffirmed support for an independent Palestinian State based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. India also reiterated its traditional support for the “Two-State Solution” to resolve the Israel–Palestine conflict. However, sharp disagreements between Iran and the United Arab Emirates prevented the adoption of a joint declaration, resulting instead in a “Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document.”
Key Highlights of the BRICS Meeting:
Support for Palestinian Statehood
BRICS members reaffirmed support for:
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- A sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian State
- Borders based on pre-1967 lines
- East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital
- A sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian State
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The grouping reiterated commitment to the Two-State Solution in accordance with international law, UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Position on Gaza Strip
The statement described Gaza as an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and supported unification of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
Maritime Security in West Asia
The meeting highlighted the importance of secure maritime trade routes, including:
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- Strait of Hormuz
- Red Sea
- Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
- Strait of Hormuz
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Members acknowledged differing views regarding the West Asian conflict and maritime tensions.
About BRICS:
Evolution of BRICS
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- 2001: Term “BRIC” coined by economist Jim O’Neill
- 2006: Formation of BRIC grouping
- 2010: South Africa joined, becoming BRICS
- BRICS+ now includes Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran
- 2001: Term “BRIC” coined by economist Jim O’Neill
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The bloc represents:
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- Around 49.5% of global population
- 40% of global GDP
- 26% of global trade
- Around 49.5% of global population
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Objectives
BRICS aims to:
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- Reform global governance institutions
- Reduce Western dominance in IMF and World Bank
- Strengthen South-South cooperation
- Reform global governance institutions
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New Development Bank (NDB):
The New Development Bank, headquartered in Shanghai, finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
What is the Two-State Solution?
Meaning
The Two-State Solution proposes:
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- Israel as a homeland for Jewish people
- Palestine as an independent state for Palestinians
- Israel as a homeland for Jewish people
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Historical Background
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- 1947 UN Partition Plan proposed separate Arab and Jewish states
- 1993 Oslo Accords established mutual recognition between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
- 1947 UN Partition Plan proposed separate Arab and Jewish states
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India’s Position on Israel–Palestine:
Historical Support for Palestine
India recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1974 and the State of Palestine in 1988.
Relations with Israel
India established full diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992 while maintaining support for Palestine.
Current Policy
India follows a “de-hyphenation” approach, maintaining independent relations with both Israel and Palestine. While condemning terrorism and supporting Israel’s security concerns, India continues to advocate humanitarian support and a negotiated Two-State Solution.
Conclusion:
The BRICS meeting highlighted continued support for Palestinian statehood while exposing internal geopolitical divisions within the grouping. India’s balanced diplomacy reflects its commitment to strategic autonomy, regional stability, and peaceful resolution of the Israel–Palestine conflict through the Two-State framework.
