In a significant display of diplomatic support, leaders from the BRICS nations have firmly condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 tourists’ lives in Jammu and Kashmir. During the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, the group issued the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, highlighting their commitment to combat all forms of terrorism, including the challenges posed by cross-border terrorist movements, terror financing, and the establishment of safe havens.
The declaration labeled the attack as an “unjustifiable act of terrorism,” emphasizing the need for a united front to eliminate threats in accordance with international law. The victims of the attack were reportedly targeted by terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group supported by the UN-designated terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. Notable among the casualties were both Indian and Nepalese nationals, further underscoring the attack’s indiscriminate nature and the regional vulnerability to terrorism.
The declaration strongly condemned the attack, stating, “We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025.” It reiterated the group’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, signifying a collective understanding that terrorism cannot be associated with any particular religion, ethnicity, or nationality. The leaders underscored the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable and emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation without selective or inconsistent strategies against terrorism.
Highlighting the ongoing efforts of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group, the declaration detailed progress made under the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Action Plan. It called for the accelerated adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework, a move anticipated to bolster international legal structures in the fight against terrorism.
The alignment of the declaration with India’s increasing advocacy for decisive measures against Pakistan-based terror organizations, like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, represents a significant victory for Indian diplomacy. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reinforced this stance during a recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference in Beijing, where he called for the dismantling of state-sponsored terror networks and the pursuit of justice for their leaders and financial backers.
This strong BRICS statement follows India’s Operation Sindoor, a decisive cross-border initiative aimed at targeting terrorist infrastructure following the Pahalgam massacre. The BRICS nations’ commitment to a cooperative international response against terrorism marks a crucial step in addressing regional security challenges and advancing collective global efforts to eradicate terrorism.
