BRICS Summit New Delhi Declaration Calls for Peace, Opposes Palestinian Displacement

<p>BRICS leaders gathered in New Delhi on Saturday, September 12, unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration on the opening day of the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit, calling for greater diplomatic efforts to prevent conflicts and urging maximum restraint amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.</p>
<p>Held under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability", the Summit brought together the 11-member bloc, including India, China, Russia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.</p>
<p>On the Middle East, BRICS expressed deep concern over continued escalation of tensions and called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint, avoid actions that could worsen the situation, and rely on dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace, security and stability. The bloc also stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with the UN Charter and to maintain the smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy under international law.</p>
<p>Regarding Gaza, BRICS expressed deep concern over continued violence despite the ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025. The bloc called for maintenance of the ceasefire, full and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, and firmly opposed policies aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians from the territory. The declaration stated firm opposition to the temporary or permanent forced displacement of any Palestinian population from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, under any pretext, as well as to geographic or demographic changes in Gaza.</p>
<p>BRICS reaffirmed that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through peaceful means and depends on fulfilling the legitimate rights of Palestinians, including their rights to self-determination and return. The bloc reiterated support for full membership of the State of Palestine in the United Nations and reaffirmed commitment to a two-state solution, backing the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state within the internationally recognised 1967 borders, including Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.</p>
<p>On the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the declaration expressed grave concern and called for adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law. The bloc condemned violations including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, healthcare facilities, the use of starvation as a method of warfare, and unlawful obstruction of humanitarian assistance. It also noted the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice in the case brought by South Africa against Israel, including measures concerning humanitarian aid to Gaza. BRICS reaffirmed its support for UNRWA.</p>
<p>The declaration rejected unilateral measures intended to alter the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem and urged full respect for the sanctity of the city's religious sites and the rights of all people to access them without hindrance.</p>
<p>On nuclear security, BRICS leaders warned of growing risks of nuclear conflict and called for renewed efforts on disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation. The declaration voiced serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities operating under full IAEA safeguards, stressing that nuclear safeguards, safety and security must be upheld at all times, including during armed conflicts. The bloc also expressed support for establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.</p>
<p>Regarding Lebanon, BRICS welcomed the ceasefire and called on all parties to strictly adhere to its terms and fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The bloc condemned continued violations of the ceasefire and Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on Israel to respect the terms agreed with the Lebanese government and withdraw its occupying forces from all Lebanese territories where they remain.</p>
<p>On Sudan, leaders expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation and the worsening humanitarian crisis. BRICS called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, a peaceful resolution through dialogue, and sustained humanitarian access for Sudan's population. The bloc reaffirmed the principle of an African solution to African problems as the basis for resolving the conflict.</p>
<p>On Syria, BRICS reaffirmed commitment to the country's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, calling for a peaceful and inclusive political transition that protects civilians and the rights of all components of Syrian society. The bloc backed a Syrian-led process facilitated by the United Nations and free from foreign interference, based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254, and reaffirmed the need for the withdrawal of occupying forces from Syria.</p>
<p>BRICS leaders closed this section of the declaration by calling on the international community to address security challenges through political and diplomatic measures, address the root causes of disputes, and give greater support to efforts aimed at the peaceful settlement of crises.</p>