Brics cites differing views on Iran war, reaffirms Palestine statehood support

India on Friday issued a Chair's Statement and Outcome Document after a two-day meeting of Brics foreign ministers in New Delhi, with the bloc reflecting differing positions over the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran while calling for an early resolution to the crisis in West Asia.

The statement, released by India as the current Brics chair, acknowledged divisions within the grouping on developments in the region. Brics includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia — bringing together countries currently on opposing sides of the conflict.

"There were differing views among some members as regard to the situation in the West Asia/Middle East region," the statement said.

According to the document, member nations presented "their respective national positions and shared a range of perspectives" on issues linked to sovereignty, maritime security, civilian infrastructure and the protection of civilian lives in West Asia.

The ministers also stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to international law, and ensuring the safe and uninterrupted movement of maritime trade through international waterways. Several members additionally flagged the impact of the conflict on the global economy.

The latest round of tensions in the region began after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran targeting Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf, including Brics member -- the United Arab Emirates.

During a press conference in New Delhi following the Brics Foreign Ministers' meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply criticised Washington's diplomatic credibility, describing the United States as the principal obstacle to peace efforts in West Asia.

Araghchi claimed that after more than a month of failing to achieve its military objectives, Washington attempted to shift toward negotiations, a move Iran views with deep distrust.

"Now, after 40 days of war, when the US became hopeless of achieving any goal in their aggression against Iran, they offered negotiation... We have no trust in Americans... This is the main obstacle in the way of any diplomatic effort. We have every reason not to trust Americans, while they have no reason not to trust us," he said.

The Chair's Statement also reiterated Brics' support for Palestinian statehood and described the Gaza Strip as "an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory".

"The Ministers recalled that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They underlined, in this regard, the importance of unifying the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority, and reaffirmed the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine," the statement said.

The ministers further urged the international community to support reforms within the Palestinian Authority to help fulfil Palestinian aspirations for independence and statehood.

At the same time, the document noted that one unnamed member country expressed reservations regarding portions of the Gaza-related section.

The Brics foreign ministers met in New Delhi on May 14 and 15, where they exchanged views on key regional and global developments while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the bloc’s strategic partnership across political and security cooperation, economic and financial coordination, and cultural and people-to-people ties.

The ministers also reiterated their commitment to the Brics principles of mutual respect, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness and consensus.

"The Ministers expressed their appreciation to India for holding the meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations and extended their full support to BRICS Chairship of India in 2026," the statement said.

The grouping also said members were committed to working together for the success of the XVIII BRICS Summit and looked forward to the next meeting of Brics foreign ministers, scheduled on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and to be hosted by China as the incoming Brics chair for 2027.

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