BRICS nations join in criticising unilateral economic sanctions even as some members differed on West Asia situation

BRICS nations on Friday deplored unilateral economic sanctions, reaffirming that the bloc does not intend to impose or support sanctions contrary to international law and unauthorized by the UN Security Council. However, some members of the bloc held divergent views on the West Asia situation.

At the BRICS Foreign Minister meeting here, member nations condemned the imposition of unilateral and coercive measures that are contrary to international law, reiterating that such measures, inter alia in the form of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions, have far-reaching negative implications for the human rights, including the rights to development, health and food security, of the general population of the targeted states, disproportionately affecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations, deepening the digital divide and exacerbating environmental challenges.

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They called for the elimination of such unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and reaffirmed that BRICS member states do not impose or support non-UN Security Council authorised sanctions that are contrary to international law.

The two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting hosted by India concluded on Friday in the national capital. The meeting was chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Several foreign ministers, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and senior representatives from BRICS nations and partner countries, attended the Meeting.

Recalling the exchange of views at the BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys meeting on 24 April, the ministers expressed deep concern about recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

According to Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document at BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, “There were differing views among some members as regard to the situation in the West Asia/Middle East region. BRICS members expressed their respective national positions and shared a range of perspectives.”

“Views articulated by them included the need for an early resolution of the current crisis, the value of dialogue and diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholding international law, the importance of safe and unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways, and the protection of civilian infrastructure and civilian lives,” it said.

The impact of recent developments on the global economic situation was stressed by many members.

The Ministers also expressed strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured.

They reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens. They reiterated that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international law.

The Ministers urged to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and rejected double standards in countering terrorism. They emphasized the primary responsibility of States in combating terrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the UN, in particular the purposes and principles thereof, and relevant international conventions and protocols, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, as applicable.

They welcomed the activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five Subgroups based upon the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and the CTWG position paper.

The Ministers looked forward to further deepening counter-terrorism cooperation. They called for an expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework.

They called for concerted actions against all UN designated terrorists and terrorist entities.

According to the Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document, “The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation to address humanitarian crises worldwide and expressed concern at the dwindling of international responses. They strongly condemned all violations of international humanitarian law, including deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the denial or obstruction of humanitarian access and the targeting of humanitarian personnel.”

The Ministers underlined the need to address accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law. They recognised international efforts undertaken by BRICS members to promote respect for, adherence to, and effective implementation of International Humanitarian Law.

They took note of the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2803. They called for the implementation of the relevant UNGA and UNSC Resolutions, and urged all parties to ensure the maintenance of ceasefire and full and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip.