BRICS Nations Unite Against Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urge Consistent Global Counter-Terrorism Efforts

In a significant diplomatic move, BRICS leaders voiced strong support for India's position against terrorism, condemning the April 22 Pahalgam attack during the 17th BRICS Summit held in Brazil. The Rio de Janeiro Declaration, released at the summit, underscored the commitment to tackle terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border activities, terror financing, and safe havens.

The declaration described the attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, as an indefensible act of terrorism. It reinforced the group's determination to address terror threats in alignment with international law. The victims, comprising Indian and Nepalese nationals, were specifically targeted by terrorists linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of the UN-sanctioned Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025," the declaration affirmed. "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."

The leaders of BRICS emphasized that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, ethnicity, or nationality, and insisted on holding those responsible accountable. They cautioned against selective or inconsistent responses to terrorism, advocating for zero tolerance and unified global collaboration.

The declaration highlighted the progress made by the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and its five subgroups under the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Action Plan. It also urged the swift adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.

This statement aligns with India's recent advocacy at international platforms, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), for robust actions against terror groups supported by Pakistan, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. At the SCO Security Council Secretaries meeting in Beijing, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reiterated India's call to dismantle state-supported terror networks and bring their leaders and financiers to justice.

The BRICS declaration is a noteworthy achievement for India, bolstering its international counter-terrorism initiatives following Operation Sindoor, a cross-border offensive targeting terrorist infrastructure in response to the Pahalgam incident.