Prime Minister Narendra Modi put the spotlight on the Pahalgam terror attack at the BRICS Summit on Sunday. “This attack was a blow not only on India but on the entire humanity,” Modi said, adding that “condemning terrorism should be our principle, not just a convenience”. He said that the countries that are victims of terrorism and those that support it cannot be treated the same.
The PM urged all nations to act strongly and without hesitation against terrorists, including by putting sanctions on them. “If we first see in which country the attack took place, against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity. There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists,” he said.
Speaking during a session on peace and security, PM Modi called the Pahalgam terror attack a direct attack on India’s soul and dignity. He stressed that terrorism is one of the biggest problems the world faces today. The PM also said that fighting terrorism should not be based on political convenience. He pointed out that if countries only act based on where an attack happens or who it targets, then they are failing humanity.
He also indirectly referred to China’s actions at the UN, where it blocked moves to label some Pakistan-based individuals as terrorists. PM Modi said that anyone giving silent support to terrorism, whether for personal or political reasons, should not be allowed to do so. “There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises whether we are serious about the fight against terrorism or not,” he said.
BRICS condemns Pahalgam terror attack
BRICS too strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and supported India’s stand of taking a “zero tolerance” approach to terrorism. The leaders also said that countries must avoid “double standards” when dealing with terrorism.
During the first day of the two-day summit in a Brazilian coastal city, the BRICS leaders said they are fully committed to fighting terrorism. This includes stopping the cross-border movement of terrorists and cutting off the money used to fund terror activities.
At the summit, the BRICS nations released the “Rio de Janeiro Declaration”. This document explained the group’s views on important global issues like terrorism, the situation in West Asia, trade and tariffs, and the need to reform international organisations such as the UN Security Council and the Bretton Woods financial institutions.
“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. 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,” the declaration said.
The BRICS countries agreed to work more closely together to fight terrorism and urged strong action against all terrorists and terror groups listed by the United Nations. They also asked for the quick approval of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN system.
The group clearly stated that all acts of terrorism are “criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation.”
BRICS said it is dedicated to stopping illegal financial activities such as money laundering and funding of terrorism, extremism, and the spread of dangerous weapons. They also raised concerns about how new technologies and cryptocurrencies are being used for terrorist activities.