BRICS Parliamentary Forum adopts joint declaration on West Asia and two-state solution

UPDATE - follow-up to BRICS parliamentary forum expresses 'deep concern' about West Asia hostilities:

Joint Declaration

Parliamentary leaders from the BRICS nations meeting in New Delhi issued a joint declaration slamming unilateral economic sanctions and coercive measures in West Asia as contrary to international law. The two-day 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded on Tuesday after deliberations led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The declaration called for maximum restraint amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and reaffirmed unwavering support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, asserting the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, freedom, and an independent, sovereign state living side by side in peace and security.

Regional Diplomacy

The forum took place despite the cancellation of the India visit by Iranian parliamentary delegation chief Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf due to growing hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces. Other regional policymakers attended, including Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Al Nuaimi spoke in favour of restarting negotiations for the two-state solution while noting that around 160 countries recognise Israel. The joint declaration also condemned the April 22, 2025 terror strike in Kashmir's Pahalgam in the strongest terms and called for the finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Context

International parliamentary forums bring together elected representatives from multiple countries to discuss shared diplomatic and economic concerns outside formal executive channels. The BRICS grouping consists of major emerging economies seeking to coordinate on global policy issues and promote multilateral cooperation.