New delhi: BRICS leaders on Saturday called for greater efforts to prevent and peacefully resolve conflicts amid the wars in Iran and Ukraine, while opposing any forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. The calls were included in the New Delhi Declaration, unanimously adopted on the first day of the bloc's two-day summit in the Indian capital.
According to Anadolu Agency, the BRICS leaders expressed "deep concern" over continued violence in Gaza despite the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, and called for an end to "any policies aimed at forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip." The declaration also highlighted concerns regarding arrangements that could undermine the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people or legitimize the prolonged occupation.
The declaration emphasized the necessity of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, affirming that a just and lasting solution hinges on the fulfillment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including self-determination and the right of return. The bloc also rejected any unilateral measures aimed at altering the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem, urging respect for the sanctity of religious sites and the rights of all individuals to freely practice their religious rites.
The statement further condemned attacks on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) installations and personnel, labeling such actions as violations of international law. In light of the "current global context of polarization and distrust," BRICS members called for international responses to security threats through politico-diplomatic measures aimed at reducing conflict potential.
Additionally, the declaration underscored the need for conflict prevention efforts by addressing root causes and encouraging the active role of regional organizations in conflict prevention and resolution. The BRICS leaders also voiced concerns over the risks of nuclear conflict, advocating for disarmament, arms control, and nonproliferation while emphasizing the protection of civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities.
The declaration also addressed economic concerns, condemning the imposition of unilateral trade measures that contradict international law. The BRICS bloc noted the proliferation of trade-restrictive actions inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, expressing serious concerns about unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort trade. The statement criticized unilateral coercive measures, such as economic sanctions, for their adverse effects on human rights and their disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.