Two-State Solution for Palestine, Concerns Over ‘Unilateral Tariff’: Key Highlights From BRICS New Delhi Declaration

New Delhi: The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi concluded with member countries unanimously adopting the New Delhi Declaration, a wide-ranging document covering global conflicts, Palestine, trade, tariffs, terrorism, energy security and reforms to international institutions.

Among its key messages were renewed support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and concern over the growing use of unilateral tariffs and non-tariff trade measures.

The 45-page declaration was adopted as BRICS leaders met against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia, the war in Ukraine and growing friction over global trade.

1. BRICS backs two-state solution for Palestine

The declaration reaffirmed the bloc's support for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through peaceful means.

BRICS said such a settlement must respect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their rights to self-determination and return.

The bloc also reiterated support for Palestine becoming a full member of the United Nations and called for stronger international institutional representation for Palestine.

The declaration also stressed the need for humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza and reaffirmed Israel's obligations under international law concerning humanitarian aid.

2. Concern over unilateral tariffs

Another major focus was the changing global trade environment.

BRICS expressed concern over the “rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures”, warning that such actions can disrupt international trade and disproportionately affect developing economies.

The bloc called for greater adherence to the multilateral trading system and emphasised the importance of predictable and non-discriminatory international trade rules.

The issue carries particular significance as several BRICS economies face the effects of tariff and sanctions policies imposed by major trading powers.

3. Opposition to unilateral sanctions

The declaration also criticised unilateral economic sanctions that are not authorised by the UN Security Council.

BRICS leaders argued that such measures can have wider consequences for developing countries and international economic stability.

The position reflects a broader BRICS push for a more representative global economic order and greater reliance on multilateral institutions.

4. Call for restraint in West Asia

The summit took place amid renewed conflict and heightened tensions in the Middle East.

The declaration called for maximum restraint, dialogue and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

BRICS also emphasised the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The inclusion of both Iran and the UAE in the expanded BRICS grouping made consensus on the Middle East particularly sensitive, given their differing positions amid regional tensions.

5. Gaza and humanitarian concerns

The declaration reiterated concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for continued international efforts to address the crisis.

BRICS also expressed opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians, while maintaining its support for a negotiated political settlement.

The bloc's position places the Palestinian issue firmly within its broader call for diplomacy and adherence to international law.

6. Trade wars and global economy

BRICS leaders warned that escalating trade restrictions could undermine global economic growth.

The declaration called for cooperation rather than trade confrontation and emphasised the importance of keeping global supply chains and international trade flows stable.

The summit also highlighted the disproportionate impact that trade barriers can have on developing nations.

7. Energy security gets prominence

Energy security emerged as another important issue, particularly because conflicts in West Asia have disrupted energy markets and shipping routes.

The declaration maintained that fossil fuels will continue to play an important role in the global energy mix, particularly for developing countries, while reaffirming commitments to sustainable and equitable energy transitions.

BRICS also criticised the EU's carbon border measure, describing it as unilateral and potentially discriminatory against developing economies.

8. India's balancing act

The declaration also reflects India's broader diplomatic approach of keeping BRICS focused on cooperation rather than turning it into an explicitly anti-Western bloc.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly stressed that BRICS should not become an anti-West grouping. At the New Delhi summit, India sought to maintain room for cooperation with both Western economies and traditional BRICS partners such as Russia and China.

The approach is significant as BRICS expands its role while its members remain divided on several geopolitical questions.

9. What the New Delhi Declaration means

The declaration demonstrates that BRICS is increasingly using its collective platform to comment not only on economic issues but also on major international conflicts and global governance.

However, the consensus also reflects the bloc's internal diversity. BRICS members do not necessarily share identical positions on every geopolitical issue, making broad diplomatic language and calls for dialogue particularly important.

The New Delhi Declaration therefore combines support for Palestinian statehood and criticism of unilateral trade measures with a wider push for multilateralism, diplomacy and reform of global institutions.

For India, the outcome provides an opportunity to position New Delhi as a bridge between developing economies, Western partners and the wider Global South.