Due to sharp differences among the BRICS countries, it is difficult to reach consensus on the Middle East issue. The government supports the Palestinian cause.

A meeting of BRICS officials on the Middle East held last week failed to reach a consensus document because of huge differences in positions among members of the conflicting parties, official sources said.Indian authorities say efforts by other parties to bridge the gap have been unsuccessful. India holds the BRICS chair this year and will host a meeting of foreign ministers next month ahead of a summit later this year. Last week’s meeting of junior foreign ministers and envoys failed to produce a joint statement after failing to reach consensus.Instead, a presidential statement was issued stating that members were deeply concerned about recent conflicts in the Middle East and offered their views and assessments on the matter. The discussion covered the question of Palestine and the situation in Gaza, including the provision of humanitarian assistance, the role of UNRWA, zero tolerance for terrorism, welcoming the ceasefire in Lebanon,While Iran has been seeking BRIC unity against the United States and Iran, urging India to work towards consensus, a joint statement with conflict parties the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as the group of major emerging economies, has remained elusive. Government sources also ruled out any weakening of India’s stance on the Palestinian issue and reiterated that India remains committed to a two-state solution.“On the Palestinian issue, India did not reach an agreed position with the Arab League, including Palestine, until January 26. India has been unequivocally supportive of the two-state solution,” a source said, adding that many BRICS countries supported the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which approved a comprehensive 20-point peace plan to end the Gaza conflict, including through the establishment of a peace commission.Official sources said these were significant developments over the past year.Since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, India has provided approximately 70 tons of humanitarian assistance, including 16.5 tons of medicines and medical supplies in two batches. Last year, it also released $5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and another $5 million this year. Most recently, 65 tons of medicines were also sent to UNRWA and the Palestinian Ministry of Health in October and November 2024.Indian authorities stated that India’s long-standing policy towards Palestine includes support for a negotiated two-state solution and the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state within secure and recognized borders, coexisting in peace with Israel. India also supports Palestine’s accession to the United Nations.