The BRICS nations, comprising key emerging economies, have strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and have called for concerted action against UN-designated terrorists and entities. Meeting in Brazil, the BRICS leaders issued a declaration addressing global challenges, including terrorism, trade, and the reform of global institutions.
In a strong message, the BRICS nations have expressed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing, and safe havens. They have urged for zero tolerance for terrorism and rejected double standards in countering it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that countries supporting terror must pay the price. He emphasized that the fight against terrorism cannot be selective or symbolic. Modi also stated that there should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists, and the victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale.
The BRICS declaration also voiced serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules. While the declaration did not directly name the US, it was an apparent message to the Trump administration. The imposition of unilateral coercive measures was deemed contrary to international law, with unilateral economic sanctions having far-reaching negative implications.
Moreover, the BRICS nations have unambiguously backed a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to make it more democratic, representative, effective, and efficient. Prime Minister Modi has advocated for the rightful place of the Global South in the world order. Brazil has also advocated for the reform of Western-led global institutions.