OVERVIEW

On 15 May 2026, foreign ministers of the BRICS nations met in New Delhi and renewed their support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. The ministers stated that Palestine should be established within the borders that existed before the 1967 war, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital.

The meeting also described the Gaza Strip as part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and emphasized that a peaceful settlement must follow the internationally supported two-state solution.

What Is BRICS?

BRICS is a coalition of major developing economies formed to strengthen cooperation on global political and economic issues. The original five members are:

• Brazil
• Russia
• India
• China
• South Africa

In recent years, the group has expanded by admitting additional member countries. BRICS ministers regularly hold meetings to discuss international security, economic partnerships, trade, climate issues, and global governance reforms.

Understanding the Two-State Solution

The two-state solution is a diplomatic proposal that aims to create two independent countries — Israel and Palestine — living peacefully side by side.

Under this proposal:

• Palestine would include the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• The borders would largely follow the pre-1967 lines, also known as the Green Line.
• East Jerusalem is envisioned by Palestinians as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

The issue remains one of the most sensitive disputes in international politics because both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as historically and politically important.

Historical Background of the Palestinian Territories

The Palestinian territories mainly consist of:

• The West Bank
• The Gaza Strip

The Palestinian Authority was established after the Oslo Accords signed in 1993 and 1995 between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The Authority currently administers parts of the West Bank.

Since 2007, Gaza has witnessed repeated conflicts, military operations, and restrictions that have created major humanitarian concerns.

Major Decisions Taken at the New Delhi Meeting

During the discussions, BRICS foreign ministers called for several immediate steps regarding the Gaza conflict:

• An immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.
• Complete withdrawal of Israeli military forces.
• Release of all hostages.
• Unrestricted humanitarian assistance for civilians.
• Full membership for Palestine in the United Nations.

The ministers reiterated that lasting peace in West Asia requires a political solution based on international law and United Nations resolutions.

Why Was There No Joint BRICS Statement?