In a major diplomatic win for India, the BRICS nations on Sunday strongly denounced the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people.

In a joint declaration issued after the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the leaders described the attack as "criminal and unjustifiable" and emphasized their joint commitment to fight terrorism in every form.

BRICS Calls for Unified Global Action

The BRICS group—made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new member states—stressed the need for global cooperation to eliminate terrorism.

“We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed,” the declaration stated.

It further added, “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.”

Zero Tolerance and International Law Emphasized

The joint statement also highlighted the need for a firm global stance. It urged countries to adopt "zero tolerance" towards terrorism and reject double standards.

“We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism. We emphasize the primary responsibility of States in combating terrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations,” the BRICS statement said.

PM Modi Sends a Clear Message on Terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong statement during the summit. He said, “Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale.”

His remarks came just days after China blocked several attempts at the UN Security Council to label Pakistan-based terrorists as global threats.

Modi added, “For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable under any circumstances.”

He also stressed the need for action, not just words: “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.”

Leaders Discuss Global Challenges

On the first day of the two-day summit held in Rio, BRICS leaders also discussed many other major global issues. The focus remained on promoting peace, cooperation, and shared security.