New Delhi, Sep 12 (PTI) In a major diplomatic victory for India, the BRICS grouping adopted a consensus joint declaration on Saturday after overcoming sharp differences between the United Arab Emirates and Tehran regarding the West Asia conflict, but skipped any direct mention of the US strikes on Iran or the Iranian military's attacks on several Gulf Arab nations.

The New Delhi Declaration also did not criticise Russia's war on Ukraine but was severely critical of Israel for continuing violence in Gaza and called for fulfilling the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

BRICS, without naming the US, also voiced serious concerns over the proliferation of "trade-restrictive actions" such as "indiscriminate" tariffs and non-tariff measures as well as protectionism, saying they threatened to further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, potentially exacerbating existing economic disparities.

The grouping came out against "unilateral sanctions" and "coercive measures" that are contrary to international law, in what is seen as a veiled criticism of Western economic sanctions on Russia.

The BRICS leaders appeared to endorse New Delhi's position to end the West Asia conflict through "dialogue and diplomacy" and stressed the need to work together to maintain a smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy, in accordance with "applicable" international law.

Adopted on the opening day of the two-day summit, the BRICS declaration is seen as a major triumph for Indian diplomacy. The negotiations on the text of the declaration went down to the wire as both Iran and the UAE had hardened their positions initially. BRICS is a consensus-based grouping, meaning any single member can block a final joint declaration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the declaration at the end of the opening day's deliberations in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other top leaders of the bloc.

"We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in 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 declaration said.

"Furthermore, we urge to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations in their entirety and interconnectedness, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the States," it said.

"We encourage increasing efforts, through dialogue and diplomacy, towards a long-term understanding that will contribute to lasting peace, security and stability in the region," it added.

BRICS stressed the need to work together to maintain a smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy, in accordance with applicable international law.

The grouping also expressed "deep concern" over the continued violence in Gaza despite the ceasefire agreement of October last year.

"We call for halting any policies aimed at forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza Strip and express concern regarding arrangements that may prejudice the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and legitimise or prolong occupation," it said.

"We reaffirm that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means and depends on the fulfilment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the rights to self-determination and return," it said.

BRICS also fully backed India's call for zero tolerance towards any form of terrorism and shunning double standards in countering the menace, as the top leaders of the influential grouping agreed to have a concerted approach in dealing with the challenge.

The grouping also condemned in the "strongest terms" the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir last year that killed 26 people.

"We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens," it said.

"We reiterate 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," it said.

"We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism," it added.

BRICS emphasised that it is 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.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured," it said.

The grouping also criticised the proliferation of "trade-restrictive actions that are inconsistent with WTO rules, whether in the form of indiscriminate raising of tariffs and non-tariff measures, or protectionism under the guise of environmental objectives." "We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules," it said.

BRICS voiced serious concerns about the "rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures.

"We condemn the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law, and reiterate that such measures, inter alia in the form of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions, have far-reaching negative implications for human rights," it said.

"We call for the elimination of such unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. We reaffirm our opposition to unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law," it noted.

BRICS also pressed for reform of the United Nations and even favoured having a woman as the UN Secretary General.

"In light of the ongoing selection process of the next Secretary-General of the UN and bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the UN Charter, we note that no woman has ever been elected for the role of Secretary General, and only one national from Latin America and the Caribbean, and only two nationals from Africa and Asia each have ever occupied this position," it said.

BRICS also noted with concern the polarisation and distrust in the geopolitical landscape and called on the international community to respond to various security threats through politico-diplomatic measures.

"We underscore that security among all countries is indivisible and reiterate our commitment to the peaceful resolution of international disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy." "We encourage the active role of regional organisations in conflict prevention and resolution and support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises," BRICS said in the declaration adopted during its 18th summit. PTI MPB RT