BRICS parliamentary forum expresses ‘deep concern’ about West Asian hostilities

Expressing ‘deep concern’ about the escalating tension and hostilities in West Asia, parliamentary leaders from the BRICS nations slammed “unilateral coercive measures”  and “unilateral economic sanctions” imposed in the region as contrary to international law.

A joint declaration issued after deliberations led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, at the end of the two-day 12^th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on Tuesday, also reiterated the need for a ‘two-state’ solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

“We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East/West Asia and, recalling our respective national positions, call for exercising maximum restraint, as well as avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation,” the joint declaration said.

‘Two-state solution’

The meeting in New Delhi earlier drew attention as the Iranian parliamentary delegation’s chief, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, cancelled his India visit in the wake of growing hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi forces.

Despite the absence of Mr. Ghalibaf, who has been a key interlocutor in direct and indirect negotiations during the ongoing conflict, the forum provided opportunities for the exchange of views among stakeholders in West Asia. Several key policymakers from the region attended, including Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the United Arab Emirates.

Ties between the UAE and Iran have nosedived, as Iran attacked the Gulf nation as part of its strategy of retaliation against the U.S.-led attacks that began on February 28. Meeting a small group of journalists on the sidelines of the forum, Mr. Al Nuaimi spoke forcefully in favour of the two-state solution for the Israel-Palestinian crisis, without hurting Israel’s interests. “Around 160 countries recognise Israel, and it is a reality in the region. But the tragic situation has shown that the Palestinian state is needed. With this in mind, we need to restart the negotiation for a two-state solution,” Mr. Al Nuaimi said.

The joint declaration also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. “We reaffirm our 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, asserting the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, freedom and an independent, sovereign state.”

Undermining international law

The BRICS Parliamentary Forum obliquely addressed the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran and the BRICS stance against attacks on member countries, “We call for the elimination of such unlawful measures which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter,” the joint declaration said.

It condemned acts of terrorism as “criminal and unjustified” and condemned the April 22, 2025 terror strike in Kashmir’s Pahalgam in the “strongest terms”. It added: “We call for an expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework. We call for concerted actions against all UN designated terrorists and terrorist entities.”

The joint declaration added that inter-parliamentary exchanges among BRICS member countries provides a channel of communication and build trust among the member states. “Support the peaceful resolution of international disputes,” it said.