Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message on terrorism at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, calling for unified global action and urging nations to avoid political convenience or selective application when imposing sanctions on terrorists. Modi's address comes in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
Modi described the Pahalgam attack as a "brutal and cowardly" assault on India's "soul, identity, and dignity," emphasizing that it was not just an attack against India, but against humanity as a whole. He expressed gratitude to the countries that stood by India in the aftermath of the attack, and reiterated the need for global solidarity in the face of terrorism.
The Prime Minister stressed that condemning terrorism should be a "principle," not just a "convenience". He cautioned against giving silent approval to terrorism for personal or political gain, stating that supporting terror or terrorists should not be acceptable under any circumstances. Modi questioned the seriousness of the international community's commitment to fighting terrorism if words and actions continue to diverge.
In a veiled reference to nations that selectively respond to terrorism based on political interests, Modi stated that assessing terror incidents based on where or against whom they occur would be a betrayal of humanity. He asserted that victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale and that there should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. This statement appeared to be aimed at countries like China, which has previously blocked attempts at the UN Security Council to designate Pakistan-based individuals as global terrorists.
Modi's strong stance against terrorism reflects India's hardening policies towards Pakistan. Following the April-May clash with Pakistan, India has signaled a shift towards more coercive diplomatic, economic, and military measures. India has made it clear that any further attacks against Indians would trigger decisive strikes against militant bases. The government has also stated that it will not differentiate between government sponsorship of terrorism and the "masterminds of terrorism," implying that India will assume Islamabad is implicated in all terrorist attacks against India. Furthermore, India has declared that it will not engage in trade, water sharing, or talks with Pakistan until attacks end, and that future talks will focus solely on returning militants to Pakistan or the return of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir to India.
The BRICS declaration condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The declaration reaffirmed the commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing, and safe havens.
Modi also addressed the issue of global institutions, stating that those established in the 20th century have not provided adequate voice to two-thirds of humanity. He noted that many countries that play a key role in today's global economy are yet to be given a seat at the decision-making table. Modi argued that this is not just about representation, but also about credibility and effectiveness. He also expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and reiterated India's belief that the path of peace is the only option for the good of humanity.
