Brics consensus on Middle East elusive because of sharp differences, government backs Palestine cause

The Brics meeting of officials on the Middle East last week could not produce a consensus document because there was sharp difference of positions among members who are party to the conflict, said official sources.

Efforts to bridge the gaps by all others were not successful, according to Indian authorities. India holds the Brics presidency this year and will host the foreign ministers’ meeting next month, ahead of the summit later this year. In the absence of a consensus, the meeting last week of junior foreign ministers and special envoys could not produce a joint statement.

Instead, a Chair’s statement was issued which said that the Members expressed deep concern on the recent conflict in the Middle East and offered views and assessments on the matter. The discussions covered the Palestine issue and the Gaza situation, including provision of humanitarian aid, the role of UNRWA, zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, welcoming the ceasefire in Lebanon,

While Iran has been seeking Brics solidarity against the US and Iran, urging India to work towards a consensus, a joint statement has remained elusive with the UAE and Saudi Arabia - which are party to the conflict- also in the grouping of the major emerging economies.

Government sources also ruled out any dilution of India’s position on the Palestine issue, reiterating that India remains committed to the 2-state solution.

“On the Palestine issue, India had only as recently as in Jan 26 reached an agreed position with the Arab League, including Palestine. India has been clear in its support for a two state solution,” said a source, adding that many Brics countries had backed the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit and UNSC resolution 2803 that endorsed a comprehensive 20-point peace plan to end the conflict in Gaza, including through the establishment of a board of peace.

These have been notable developments in the last year, said official sources.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, India has provided around 70 MT of humanitarian aid, including 16.5 MT of medicines and medical supplies in two tranches. It has also released $ 5 million last year and disbursed another $ 5 million this year to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees in Near East (UNRWA). Recently, 65 tonnes of medicines were also sent to UNRWA and Palestine Ministry of Health in October and November 2024.

According to Indian authorities, India’s policy towards Palestine has been long standing and includes support for a negotiated 2-State solution, and the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with Israel. India also supports Palestine’s membership of the UN.
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