The BRICS nations have united to strongly condemn the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming their collective commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. The joint declaration, issued at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6, 2025, denounces the April 22 attack that killed 26 tourists in the region.

The BRICS leaders described terrorism as "criminal and unjustifiable," regardless of motive or perpetrators, emphasizing that it should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. They called for those responsible for the Pahalgam attack to be held accountable under national and international law.

The declaration specifically addresses concerns regarding cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing, and safe havens, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to counter-terrorism. The BRICS nations urged a policy of "zero tolerance" for terrorism, rejecting any "double standards" in the global fight against it. They stressed that individual states bear the primary responsibility in combating terrorism, and that all global efforts must adhere to international law, including the UN Charter, human rights conventions, and humanitarian law.

India has actively pushed for a strong anti-terror formulation within the BRICS framework. The inclusion of the Pahalgam attack in the BRICS declaration is seen as a win for India's diplomatic efforts to rally international support for joint action against terrorism. Prior to the declaration, India had expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of mention of the Pahalgam attack in a joint statement at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, refusing to sign the document as a result.

The BRICS leaders welcomed the work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its subgroups operating under the Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Action Plan, advocating for increased cooperation in this area. They also reiterated their support for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework and urged "concerted action" against all UN-designated terrorists and terror entities.

The strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and the renewed commitment to counter-terrorism by the BRICS nations reflect a growing international consensus on the need to address this global threat in a comprehensive and unified manner. India is expected to assume the BRICS chairmanship next year, giving the country an opportunity to further shape the agenda and push for stronger international cooperation on counter-terrorism.