BRICS Ministers Agree on Independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as Capital Amid Deep Divisions on Wider West Asia Crisis
NEW DELHI — May 15, 2026 — The foreign ministers of BRICS member nations have unanimously reaffirmed their support for the creation of an independent, sovereign State of Palestine within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, even as deep divisions over the wider West Asia crisis prevented the bloc from issuing a joint declaration at the conclusion of their two-day meeting in New Delhi on Friday, May 15.
India, as the current chair of the BRICS grouping, released a Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document following the 18th BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which brought together the top diplomats of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates . The meeting also included partner countries in an expanded session .
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Clear Consensus on Palestinian Statehood
Despite the broader geopolitical fissures, the outcome document demonstrated a strong and coherent collective position on the question of Palestine, aligning with previous BRICS declarations .
The Chair’s Statement reiterated that the Gaza Strip remains an “inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory” . The ministers stressed the urgent need to unify the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority .
They called on the international community to support reforms within the Palestinian Authority to help fulfill the “legitimate aspirations” of the Palestinian people for independence and statehood .
“They reaffirmed their support for the State of Palestine’s full membership in the UN in the context of the unwavering commitment to the two-state solution, in accordance with international law, including relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative,” the outcome document stated .
The vision endorsed by the ministers includes “the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within the internationally recognized 1967 borders, which included the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in order to achieve the vision of two States living side by side, in peace and security” .
Divisions Acknowledge Iran-UAE Rift
While the Palestine issue saw unanimity, the broader crisis in West Asia—encompassing the war with Iran and regional security—exposed significant fault lines within the expanded BRICS group .
India’s BRICS Sherpa, Sudhakar Dalela, acknowledged that the discussions on West Asia were “frank and candid,” revealing a range of perspectives among the members . The Chair’s Statement explicitly noted that “there were differing views among some members as regard to the situation in the West Asia region,” forcing India to issue a Chair’s summary rather than a consensus joint statement .
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Diplomatic sources confirmed notable disagreements between the delegations of Iran and the United Arab Emirates . The ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, has placed these two BRICS members on opposing sides of the conflict . The UAE has been a target of Iranian retaliation during the war, while Iran continues to defend its sovereignty against US-Israeli strikes .
Iranian Minister Criticizes US Diplomatic Credibility
In a press conference following the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi launched a sharp critique of Washington’s diplomatic credibility, asserting that deep mistrust remains the primary obstacle to peace in West Asia .
“Now, after 40 days of war, when the US became hopeless of achieving any goal in their aggression against Iran, they offered negotiation,” Araghchi stated in New Delhi . “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” .
Araghchi also reiterated Tehran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz, describing the strategic waterway as falling within the “territorial waters of Iran and Oman” — a position at odds with the UAE, which maintains its own claims in the Gulf region .
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza and Lebanon
The ministers expressed grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation across the region. They condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare against Palestinians and obstruction of humanitarian aid into Gaza .
They called for an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire; the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and other occupied territories; and the release of all hostages .
The document also condemned violations of the Lebanon ceasefire agreement under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, calling on Israel to withdraw its occupying forces from all Lebanese territory .
Commitment to BRICS Principles
Despite the geopolitical divisions, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the BRICS strategic partnership across its three pillars: political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges .
They reiterated their dedication to the BRICS spirit of mutual respect, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, and consensus — even as the current tensions in West Asia tested the limits of that unity .
The meeting also expressed full support for India’s BRICS chairship in 2026 and looked forward to the XVIII BRICS Summit later this year . The next BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled to be held on the margins of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, hosted by China as the incoming chair for 2027 .
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who chaired the meeting, reiterated India’s longstanding position in support of a two-state solution, where a sovereign Palestinian state lives side by side with Israel in peace and security .
SOURCES / INPUTS
- Bernama: BRICS Foreign Ministers Call On Int’l Community To Support Palestine – Statement
- The Hindu: BRICS members agree on ‘independent’ State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as capital
- Anadolu Ajansı: Top BRICS diplomats urge adhering to ceasefire, allowing humanitarian access to Gaza: India
- India Today: Brics cites differing views on Iran war, reaffirms Palestine statehood support
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