Deep divisions within the expanded BRICS grouping over the escalating West Asia crisis prevented member nations from issuing a joint declaration at the end of the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, forcing India as Chair to release only a Chair’s statement and outcome document after two days of negotiations.The outcome document openly acknowledged differences among member states on the West Asia situation, exposing geopolitical fault lines within BRICS even as the bloc attempted to project unity on issues such as global governance reforms, counter-terrorism, trade and economic cooperation.“There were differing views among some members as regard to the situation in the West Asia/Middle East region,” the document stated, adding that members articulated “a range of perspectives” on issues relating to sovereignty, diplomacy, maritime security and protection of civilians.Despite the disagreements, the ministers stressed the need for an early resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, while expressing concern over the impact of the crisis on global trade, energy supplies and the wider global economy.The outcome document reaffirmed BRICS’ support for a sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital and called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza and implementation of relevant UN resolutions.However, the sharp internal differences became evident in two key paragraphs of the document, both of which carried an unusual footnote stating that “a member had reservations on some aspects” of the text.One of the contested sections reaffirmed that the Gaza Strip is “an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory”, underlined the need to unify Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, and reiterated support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an independent State of Palestine.Another disputed paragraph dealt with maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, stressing freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, supporting diplomatic efforts linked to the Yemen peace process under UN auspices, and highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.The reservations attached to both paragraphs reflected the lack of unanimity within BRICS on the political and security dimensions of the wider West Asia conflict, particularly amid intensifying tensions involving Gaza, the Red Sea and regional power alignments.The meeting, chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, strongly pushed for reforms of global governance institutions, including the UN Security Council, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.The document renewed support for expansion of the UN Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. China and Russia reiterated support for the aspirations of India and Brazil to play a greater role in the UN, including in the Security Council.The BRICS ministers also strongly condemned the Pahalgam massacre in which 26 people were killed. The ministers condemned terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations”, called for zero tolerance against terror and urged concerted action against UN-designated terrorists and terror entities. Without naming Pakistan, the document also highlighted concerns over cross-border terrorism, terror financing and safe havens.The meeting took place amid increasing global trade tensions and growing concerns over unilateral tariffs and protectionist measures. BRICS members voiced serious concern over the rise of tariff and non-tariff barriers inconsistent with WTO rules and reaffirmed support for a rules-based multilateral trading system.The ministers also backed efforts to strengthen cross-border payment systems among BRICS nations, signalling continuing discussions on reducing dependence on traditional financial mechanisms dominated by the West.Climate change, artificial intelligence and digital governance also figured prominently in the discussions. The ministers committed themselves to advancing cooperation on AI governance, cyber security, digital infrastructure and climate finance while emphasising equitable access for developing countries.India used its chairmanship to highlight priorities such as resilient supply chains, sustainable energy transitions, digital public infrastructure, disaster-resilient infrastructure and innovation-led growth.The BRICS ministers expressed support for India’s 2026 chairmanship theme — “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” — and pledged to work toward a “more democratic, representative and equitable international order”.The next BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be hosted by China on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session later this year.