Rio de Janeiro, July 7, 2025 — In a strong show of solidarity with India, BRICS leaders have condemned the Pahalgam terror attack “in the strongest terms”, calling for zero tolerance towards terrorism and an end to double standards in counter-terror policies. The remarks were made in a joint declaration adopted late Sunday during the ongoing BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
The declaration, while not naming any country, made a pointed reference to cross-border terrorism, widely understood to be aimed at Pakistan. The leaders also urged for concerted international action against UN-designated terrorists and terror groups, a position India has long advocated.
Modi: Terror Attack a “Blow to Humanity”
Addressing the BRICS session on peace and security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people were killed, as a “direct attack on India’s soul, identity and dignity.”
“Condemning terrorism should be our principle, not convenience,” Modi said.
“There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale.”
In a veiled criticism of countries that have blocked sanctions against terrorists at the UN—particularly China’s past vetoes—Modi called for ending political and strategic shelter for terror actors.
BRICS Declaration Calls for Action
In its official declaration, BRICS said:
“We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025… We urge zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards.”
The bloc also renewed calls for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN and emphasized the need to act against all UN-designated terrorists and terror entities.
Modi on Reforming Global Governance
Speaking at a separate BRICS session on ‘Reform of Global Governance’, PM Modi criticized the outdated nature of global institutions, stating:
“Two-thirds of humanity still lack proper representation… You cannot run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters.”
He underscored the need for reforming major international institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the WTO, and Multilateral Development Banks, arguing that without meaningful inclusion of the Global South, such institutions would remain ineffective.
BRICS Backs India, Brazil for Larger UN Role
The summit declaration supported calls for comprehensive UNSC reform, aiming to make it more democratic, representative, and effective. It said:
“We reiterate support to the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the United Nations, including its Security Council.”
The BRICS grouping, now expanded to 11 member nations—India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran—is emerging as a powerful bloc championing multipolarity and Global South empowerment.
Key Highlights
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Pahalgam attack condemned in the BRICS declaration; call for zero tolerance and no “double standards” in counterterrorism.
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PM Modi emphasized that terrorism must not be politicized or tolerated for strategic gain.
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BRICS leaders called for expedited UNSC reforms and greater representation of developing countries.
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Strong backing for India and Brazil’s aspirations for permanent seats at the UN Security Council.
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Modi likened outdated global institutions to “typewriters in a digital age”, urging urgent reform.
