The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting reaffirmed support for an independent Palestinian state and highlighted divisions over Gaza and the Strait of Hormuz.
About BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026
- The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meet is an annual diplomatic platform that prepares the agenda for the BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
- India will host the leaders’ summit in September 2026.
- Host and Venue: India hosted the 2026 BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
- Theme: The meeting was organised under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
- Chair: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- Key Participants: Foreign Ministers and representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia participated in the meeting.
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Key Highlights of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
- Support for Palestinian Statehood: BRICS members reaffirmed support for a sovereign and independent State of Palestine within the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
- Two-State Solution: India reaffirmed support for a negotiated two-state solution for resolving the Israel–Palestine conflict.
- Differences Over Gaza Strip: Member countries disagreed on the future governance of the Gaza Strip and the role of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
- Strait of Hormuz Dispute: Iran and the United Arab Emirates differed on issues related to maritime control and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Focus on Diplomacy and Maritime Security: BRICS members stressed dialogue, diplomacy and uninterrupted maritime commerce through international waterways.
About the “Two-State Solution”
- The two-state solution proposes the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
- Key Proposal for Resolving the Conflict
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- The proposal seeks peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine through internationally recognised borders and mutual security guarantees.
- Historical Background: The concept emerged from the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan and gained momentum after the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference.
- It marked the first time Israel directly negotiated with a joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation, as well as with Syria and Lebanon
- Core Components: The proposal generally supports a Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank with East Jerusalem as its capital.
- United Nations Position: The United Nations considers the two-state solution essential for achieving long-term peace in West Asia.
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About BRICS
- BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies aimed at promoting multipolarity, economic cooperation and Global South representation.
- Origin: BRICS originated as “BRIC” in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India and China, while South Africa joined in 2010.
- Current Members (11) : Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Structure: BRICS functions through annual summits, ministerial meetings and consensus-based decision-making without a permanent secretariat.
- Key Initiatives
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- New Development Bank (NDB): The New Development Bank finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.
- Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): The CRA provides financial support to members during balance of payments pressures.
- BRICS Pay and Local Currency Trade: BRICS promotes trade settlement in national currencies to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar.
- Cooperation in Technology and Energy: BRICS countries cooperate in areas such as artificial intelligence, energy security and digital governance.
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Significance of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
- Strengthening Global South Voice: The meeting reinforced BRICS as a platform representing developing countries in global governance debates.
- Addressing West Asia Conflicts: Discussions highlighted BRICS’ growing diplomatic role in addressing conflicts in West Asia and North Africa.
- Maritime and Energy Security: The meeting emphasized the importance of secure maritime trade routes and stable energy infrastructure.
- Relevance for India’s Diplomacy: The evolving U.S.-China rivalry and West Asian tensions increase the importance of India’s strategic balancing through BRICS.
16 May 2026
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