The BRICS bloc has collectively condemned the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, for a second time, underscoring a unified call for absolute zero tolerance towards terrorism and the rejection of any double standards in its counter-terrorism efforts. This strong stance was articulated in the New Delhi Declaration, adopted on Saturday, which reaffirms the member nations’ commitment to combating terrorism in all its manifestations. This includes a specific focus on disrupting cross-border terrorist movements, cutting off terror financing channels, and dismantling safe havens used by extremist groups.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the declaration, a comprehensive 45-page document titled ‘Building for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability’, also addressed other critical global issues such as illegal financial flows, cyber fraud, and the proliferation of cross-border scam networks. The condemnation of the April 22, 2025, terror strike in Pahalgam, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, predominantly tourists, and left numerous others injured, was a significant point of emphasis. The BRICS grouping had previously voiced its condemnation of a terror attack in its Rio de Janeiro Declaration, adopted on July 6 of the previous year, indicating a persistent concern within the bloc regarding global terrorism.
The New Delhi Declaration explicitly stated, “We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed.” This unequivocal statement highlights the bloc’s position that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances. Furthermore, the declaration stressed the importance of dissociating terrorism from any specific religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. It demanded that all individuals involved in terrorist activities, including those providing support, be held accountable and brought to justice in strict accordance with both national and international legal frameworks. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that perpetrators face consequences for their actions, irrespective of their affiliations or origins.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India has characterized the New Delhi Declaration as a substantial diplomatic achievement for the nation. The BRICS leaders present also exerted pressure for the swift finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework. This push signifies a desire for a more robust and globally coordinated legal instrument to address terrorism. Additionally, the bloc called for concerted actions against all individuals and entities designated as terrorists by the United Nations, signaling a commitment to enforcing international sanctions and counter-terrorism measures. The declaration also highlighted the imperative to counter extremism and radicalization, particularly among younger generations, advocating for the sharing of best practices and collaborative strategies to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
A notable aspect of the New Delhi Declaration is the striking similarity in its language concerning the Pahalgam terror attack to that of the Rio Declaration. The fact that China was a signatory to both declarations is seen by some analysts as providing India with a strategic advantage over Pakistan, a country that has historically received considerable support from China in various international forums. This unified stance from BRICS, including China’s participation, on condemning the attack and calling for action against perpetrators and their sponsors, could potentially influence regional dynamics and Pakistan’s approach to cross-border terrorism. The BRICS bloc’s commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, as articulated in the New Delhi Declaration, represents a significant step towards global cooperation in addressing this persistent threat.
The emphasis on bringing perpetrators and their sponsors to justice in the New Delhi Declaration is a direct response to the specific incident in Pahalgam, but it also reflects a broader concern within the BRICS nations about state-sponsored or state-tolerated terrorism. The declaration’s call for expeditious finalization of the UN’s Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is a long-standing demand from India and other nations seeking a universally accepted legal definition and framework for combating terrorism. The inclusion of cyber fraud and illegal financial flows alongside terrorism in the declaration indicates a recognition of the interconnectedness of these transnational crimes and the need for a holistic approach to security. The BRICS nations, representing a significant portion of the global population and economy, are leveraging their collective influence to push for stronger international cooperation and more effective mechanisms to counter these threats. The focus on youth radicalization also points to a forward-looking strategy aimed at preventing future generations from falling prey to extremist ideologies, a critical component in the long-term fight against terrorism.
The unified voice of the BRICS nations on the Pahalgam attack and the broader issue of cross-border terrorism sends a clear message to the international community and to nations accused of harboring terrorists. The declaration’s comprehensive nature, addressing multiple facets of global security challenges, underscores the bloc’s growing assertiveness on the world stage. The commitment to zero tolerance and the rejection of double standards are principles that have been advocated by India for a long time, and their inclusion in a joint BRICS declaration signifies a significant diplomatic win. The call for concerted actions against UN-designated terrorists and entities reinforces the commitment to implementing existing international sanctions and resolutions, aiming to isolate and dismantle terrorist networks more effectively. The ongoing efforts by BRICS to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism are expected to continue shaping global security discourse and policy in the coming years.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.