There is no consensus among BRICS on Middle East, no change in India’s attitude on Palestine.

Last week, no consensus document could be formed in the meeting of officials of BRICS countries on the Middle East. There were sharp differences among member states, especially among those directly involved in the conflict. According to Indian officials, the remaining members tried their best to bridge the differences, but without success.

India is currently chairing BRICS. Next month India will host the foreign ministers’ meeting, followed by the BRICS summit later this year. Due to lack of consensus, no joint statement could be issued in the meeting of junior foreign ministers and special envoys last week.

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Concern expressed on Middle East

Instead only the chairman’s statement was issued. It said member states expressed deep concern over the recent conflict in the Middle East and shared their views and assessments on the issue. The discussion included the Palestine issue, the situation in Gaza, the provision of humanitarian aid, the role of UNRWA, the policy of zero tolerance on terrorism and welcoming the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Iran had appealed to BRICS for unity against the US and asked India to reach a consensus, but countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, which are involved in the conflict, are also in BRICS. Therefore it was difficult to issue a joint statement.

India stated its stand

Government sources clearly said that India will not relax its position on the Palestine issue. India is fully committed to the two-state solution. A source said, ‘India had reached an agreement with the Arab League and Palestine in January 2026 on the Palestine issue. India has been supporting the two-state solution. Several BRICS countries also supported the Sharm el-Sheikh peace conference and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which includes a 20-point peace plan to end the Gaza conflict.

India’s Palestine policy is old and stable. India has always wanted a negotiated two-state solution, creating a sovereign, independent State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living peacefully alongside Israel. India also supports granting full membership of the United Nations to Palestine.

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India gave help

India has provided approximately 70 metric tonnes of humanitarian assistance since the Gaza conflict began, including 16.5 metric tonnes of medicines and medical supplies in two phases. Last year India had given 5 million dollars to UNRWA and this year again 5 million dollars were given. 65 tons of medicines were also sent to the Palestine Ministry of Health and UNRWA in October-November 2024.