India


BRICS Parliamentary Forum condemns unilateral sanctions, backs two-state solution to Palestinian conflict

New Delhi, Oct 27 (UNI) The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum has condemned unilateral economic and secondary sanctions contrary to international law, calling for their elimination and warning of their adverse impact on development, health and food security. The forum also expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and West Asia, called for restraint and diplomacy, and reaffirmed its unwavering support for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution.
These positions were set out in the joint declaration adopted at the conclusion of the two-day forum in New Delhi on Tuesday. The participating parliaments underlined the negative consequences of unilateral coercive measures for the right to development and access to healthcare and food security, maintaining that such measures were contrary to international law and should be eliminated.
On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the declaration reaffirmed the forum’s “unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution”, with the two states living side by side in peace and security in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. It also asserted the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, freedom and an independent, sovereign state.
Expressing concern over rising tensions across the Middle East and West Asia, the parliamentary leaders urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could further aggravate the situation. They stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and pursue dialogue and diplomacy to secure lasting peace. The declaration also highlighted the importance of regional stability for international trade, supply chains and energy flows.
The participating parliaments strongly condemned violations of international humanitarian law, including deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the denial or obstruction of humanitarian access and attacks on humanitarian personnel. They emphasised the need to ensure accountability for such violations.
On terrorism, the declaration condemned the phenomenon in all its forms and manifestations, describing it as criminal and unjustifiable. It called for stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism, including action against the cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and safe havens. The forum stressed that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, and called for those responsible for terrorist acts, along with their supporters, to be held accountable.
Reiterating the need for zero tolerance and an approach without double standards, the declaration recognised the primary responsibility of states in preventing and combating terrorism. It called for counterterrorism efforts to comply with the UN Charter and applicable international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. The forum also backed the work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and its five subgroups, urged progress towards the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, and called for action against terrorists and entities designated by the United Nations.
The declaration's positions on West Asia come against the backdrop of difficult negotiations within BRICS on regional conflicts. A meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi on May 15 ended without a joint statement amid differences over West Asia, Gaza and the Red Sea, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, prompting India to issue a chair's statement instead. The 18th BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under India's 2026 chairship, subsequently adopted the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration unanimously after negotiations.
Held under the theme “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development”, the parliamentary forum was aligned with India's broader BRICS chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. It brought together presiding officers and parliamentary representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, along with representatives of partner countries.
The joint declaration called for reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to make the global body more representative, democratic, effective and responsive to contemporary realities. It emphasised the need to strengthen multilateralism and give the Global South a greater voice in international decision-making. The forum also underlined the importance of engagement with the Inter-Parliamentary union and took note of Russia's proposal to establish a BRICS Plus geopolitical group within the organisation.
The participating parliaments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the BRICS strategic partnership across political and security cooperation, economic and financial affairs, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They also reiterated their support for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and efforts to eradicate poverty.
On climate change, the declaration called for action on mitigation and adaptation, just transitions and the implementation of nationally determined contributions. It emphasised the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and called on developed countries to provide climate finance and facilitate technology transfer.
Recognising the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence and information and communications technologies, the forum called for their safe, secure and equitable use, with due regard for digital sovereignty and data privacy. It supported the development of parliamentary AI tools, a repository of digital public infrastructure and pilot projects aimed at promoting universal connectivity.
The declaration also highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation and people-to-people engagement, encouraging exchanges in education, art and sports, as well as initiatives involving women and young people. It marked the 10th anniversary of the BRICS Women’s Parliamentarians Forum and recalled the 2016 Jaipur Declaration, which called for annual meetings of the forum.
Participants also took note of a Russian proposal to establish a BRICS inter-parliamentary working group on sport and supported parliamentary training and capacity-building initiatives.
Congratulating the Indian Parliament on hosting the forum, the declaration confirmed that the next BRICS Parliamentary Forum would be held in 2027 under China's chairship.
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