Strong language on Israel in BRICS declaration, what does it mean for India-Israel relations?
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The stance adopted regarding the Middle-East in the joint declaration issued at the ongoing 18th BRICS conference in New Delhi remains a topic of discussion.
In this manifesto, Palestine and Lebanon have been mentioned without naming Israel and an appeal has been made for a peaceful solution to the tense situation in the Middle East.
What was interesting was that Iran and the United Arab Emirates, standing on opposite sides of the war with America, were also among the countries that appealed to resolve the situation in the Middle East peacefully.
The BRICS manifesto does not name US President Donald Trump and US tariffs but says that many countries are being harmed by 'unjust and unilateral protectionist measures'.
The manifesto was referring to the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on many countries of the world including India and China.
Concern over increasing tension in the Middle East and message to Israel
The manifesto expressed "deep concern" over increasing tensions in the Middle East. On behalf of the countries participating in the BRICS conference, an appeal was made to resolve the Middle East crisis surrounded by the war between Palestine and then America and Iran through maximum restraint and diplomacy.
Although the declaration avoided blaming any country, it condemned attacks on civil infrastructure and protected nuclear plants.
The declaration also expressed serious concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
In this, an appeal was made to maintain ceasefire in Gaza and to provide humanitarian aid without any hindrance.
In this, there is opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians.
It condemns all violations of international human rights law, including using starvation as a weapon of war, targeting civilians and civilian targets, attacks on health centers and other civilian infrastructure, and creating unlawful barriers to humanitarian access.
The declaration reaffirms the support of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Discussion of Palestine and Lebanon without mentioning Israel
The declaration also mentioned the interim orders of the International Court of Justice in the case filed by South Africa against Israel.
In these orders, the court had reiterated Israel's legal responsibility to ensure the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The manifesto reiterated support for the two-nation theory.
Under this, there was talk of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.
In this, Israel was appealed to observe the ceasefire in Lebanon and to withdraw its troops from the remaining areas of Lebanon.
Also, there was a call for political change in Syria involving all parties.
'Israel will not like this'
Regarding the declaration's mention of the situation in the Middle East, Michael Kugelman, senior fellow for South Asia at the think tank Atlantic Council, wrote, "The Delhi Declaration contains four strongly worded paragraphs in support of the Palestinian cause. Israel is one of the major partners of India. But given the stance of the new members joining BRICS and India's own stance and the widespread acceptance of the Palestinian issue in the Global South, this was a sensible step to maintain consensus in BRICS.
He wrote, “India talks about strategic autonomy. Under this, he maintains close relations with countries of different camps. This strategic autonomy places it in a helpful position in building consensus among a group of countries with different views. Most of the BRICS countries are close partners of India and tensions with China, India's only rival in BRICS, have also reduced.
However, Manoj Kewalramani, fellow at think tank Takshashila Institute, has expressed disappointment over the BRICS countries not even mentioning Ukraine in the manifesto.
He has criticized the soft stance regarding the attack on Iran.
He wrote, "Even in the case of attacks on Iran, the declaration seems to retreat from the language adopted in Rio last year. The attacks on Iran in 2025 were condemned. But this document neither condemns the actions of America-Israel nor the attacks carried out by Iran targeting the countries of the region.
The entire incident has been described as merely "escalating tensions in the Middle East/West Asia". After this a condition like "remembering their respective national stances" has been added.
"This leaves room for disagreement between countries and represents a weak and soft expression of concern rather than articulating a common BRICS position on this issue."
Suhasini Haider, diplomatic affairs editor of 'The Hindu', wrote, "Due to the agreement between Iran and the UAE, there is no specific mention of the US-Iran war or Iran's attacks in the region in the paragraph related to West Asia. At the same time, Israel's attacks in Lebanon and Gaza have been strongly criticized.
Ken Moriyasu, Senior Fellow for Greater Asia at American think tank Hudson Institute, asked how strong are India-Israel relations?
He wrote on Twitter, "The joint declaration of BRICS issued under the chairmanship of India supports the Palestinians' right of return home."
"The declaration states that a just and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is only possible if the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are fulfilled, including the right to self-determination and return."
"This language was also included in the 2025 Rio Declaration, but was not mentioned in the 2024 Kazan Declaration or the declarations of earlier BRICS summits."
"Only six months ago, India had elevated its relations with Israel to the status of "Special Strategic Partnership". Despite this, it decided to retain this language of BRICS.
“I like this multi-pronged foreign policy. But Israel will not like this.
America targeted over 'unilateral sanctions'
The BRICS declaration did not name the US, but criticized US unilateral economic sanctions and attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities.
The declaration said that unilateral sanctions imposed against international law are condemned. They have widespread negative impacts and disproportionately affect poor people.
Even though America's name was not taken in the announcement, it is clear that America is prominent among the countries that have imposed the maximum number of sanctions without the approval of the United Nations.
It has also imposed strict sanctions on two BRICS member countries – Russia and Iran.
The declaration said that BRICS countries oppose unilateral sanctions imposed against international law and the UN Charter, including those imposed without the approval of the UN Security Council.
This language clearly reflects Russia and Iran's long-standing criticism of US sanctions.
Criticism of US tariffs
The declaration does not directly discuss US President Donald Trump's tariffs but does condemn unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that go against WTO rules.
This is being seen as a message against America's policy of tariffs and economic pressure.
After Donald Trump became President again, American tariffs have affected imports from almost all BRICS countries except Russia.
