The Brics nations on Saturday issued a strong joint statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, calling all acts of terrorism criminal and unjustifiable. The ministers of the grouping reiterated their unified stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations while underlining the urgent need for concerted international action.
In their statement, the leaders said they condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, in which twenty six people lost their lives and many others were injured. They reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism across all fronts, including tackling the cross border movement of terrorists, blocking terror financing channels, and dismantling safe havens.
The ministers emphasised that terrorism must never be linked to any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, stressing that those involved in such activities and those who provide support must be held accountable and brought to justice under relevant national and international laws. They made clear that acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of the circumstances, motivation or perpetrators.
The statement also urged a policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and rejected the presence of double standards in global counter terrorism measures. According to the ministers, it is primarily the responsibility of states to combat terrorism, but they added that international efforts must also be consistent with international law, including the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. They further stressed that counter terrorism measures must align with existing conventions on human rights, refugee protection and humanitarian law.
The Brics leaders highlighted the importance of ensuring accountability for all UN designated terrorists and terrorist entities, urging collective actions to prevent them from regrouping or gaining legitimacy. They underlined that effective measures against terrorism require cooperation among states and must be pursued without political bias or selective application of rules.
This joint condemnation by Brics came shortly after leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation had also denounced the same attack. While the SCO declaration avoided direct reference to any particular state, it did note the importance of bringing the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such acts to justice. The Brics position, however, is seen as part of a growing call for international unity against terrorism that transcends regional boundaries and political affiliations.
The Pahalgam terror attack itself has reignited the global conversation on cross border terrorism, which continues to be a major concern for India. With its repeated appeals to the international community for action against state sponsored terrorism, India has found support in statements like those from Brics, which carry the weight of some of the world’s most significant emerging economies.
For Brics, the joint statement was also a reaffirmation of its long standing agenda on security cooperation. While the grouping primarily focuses on economic cooperation, trade and development, the fight against terrorism has emerged as a key area of consensus. The emphasis on not associating terrorism with any particular religion or community is also significant, reflecting the bloc’s attempt to maintain neutrality while pushing for accountability.
The ministers observed that terrorism not only undermines peace and security but also threatens the economic and social development of nations. By reaffirming zero tolerance, they highlighted that addressing terrorism is central to achieving stability, growth and sustainable progress for all member countries and their global partners.
The Brics declaration adds momentum to international efforts aimed at strengthening frameworks against terrorism. It serves as both a political message and a call for action, reminding the world that the threat of terrorism remains one of the most urgent challenges of our times. With the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the United States and global democratic traditions under focus, the reaffirmation of values such as accountability, justice and security carry added significance.
In essence, the statement by Brics reinforced that no justification exists for terrorism, and nations must work together under international law to ensure justice for victims and prevent future attacks. The condemnation of the Pahalgam attack was not only a gesture of solidarity with the victims but also a signal of Brics’ determination to stand firm against one of the most pressing global threats.
