BRICS Summit: Leaders of BRICS nations on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit, the leaders condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. They reinstated their strong stance against the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens. The BRICS summit, hosted by Brazil, saw attendance of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia.
The leaders have called for ensuring “zero tolerance” for terrorism, and rejecting “double standards” in countering terror. The joint statement described terrorism as “criminal and unjustifiable”, regardless of the motive.
The declaration stated, “We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. We condemn 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. 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.”
BRICS leaders further added that terrorism should not be linked with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. Strengthening their commitment towards ensuring zero tolerance for terrorism, the leaders called out double standards in countering terrorism.
“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. We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism,” the statement added.
Activities BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five Subgroups, based on the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan, and the CTWG position paper were also welcomed by the leaders.
The statement further read, “We welcome 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. We look forward to further deepening counter-terrorism cooperation. We call for an expeditious finalization 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.”
No Mention Of Pakistan As Perpetrator
While the BRICS condemned the brutal Pahalgam terrorist attack, it didn’t name Pakistan as the perpetrator particularly. However, through its reference of cross-border terrorism and call for rejection of double standards in condemning terrorism, BRICS leaders maintained India’s long-held position.
PM Modi Leads Call For Zero Tolerance
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the BRICS Session on Peace and Security, had highlighted the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. He called it stark reminder of terrorism’s threat to global peace and called for unwavering international solidarity. PM Modi stressed that condemning terrorism must be a “principle” rather than a matter of “convenience.”
PM Modi stated, “Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India…Condemning terrorism should be our ‘principle’, not just a ‘convenience’. If we first see in which country the attack took place and against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity.”
