BRICS Summit Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Demands Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism

In a significant diplomatic achievement for India, BRICS member nations unanimously adopted the "New Delhi Declaration" on Saturday during the 18th BRICS Summit. Despite sharp differences between the UAE and Iran over the West Asia crisis, leaders forged a consensus to condemn state-sponsored terrorism, halt terror financing, and target entities providing shelter to terrorists. Titled "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," the comprehensive 45-page document reflects a joint stance against global terrorism, illicit financial flows, cyber fraud, and cross-border scam networks. Crucially, the declaration explicitly condemned the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. Member nations called for zero tolerance toward terrorism, rejected double standards in countering terror, and asserted that terror activities must not be linked to any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a 10-point roadmap to reform global governance architecture. He emphasized that the Global South should evolve into "rule-makers" rather than "rule-takers," advocating for a shift from a "pyramid of privileges" to a "platform of partnerships." PM Modi also proposed an emergency assistance network for mariners facing risks from regional crises and reiterated that BRICS operates in unity for tangible global outcomes rather than against any nation. Earlier, during a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, PM Modi highlighted that maintaining peace and tranquility along border areas remains essential for normalizing relations. Both leaders agreed to adhere to three guiding principles—mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interests—while resolving border issues and addressing trade imbalances and supply chain disruptions. The summit featured a grand gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi at Bharat Mandapam, attended by visiting heads of state including Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Top Indian dignitaries, including Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and several Chief Ministers, also attended. Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed did not attend the dinner, with sources indicating that President Xi returned to his hotel to rest.