Vows zero tolerance for terrorism
New Delhi: The BRICS leaders have strongly condemned the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed and several others injured, reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and calling for “zero tolerance” towards terror.
The condemnation was part of the New Delhi Declaration 2026, adopted unanimously at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday.
“We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed,” the declaration said, condemning in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025.
The leaders reiterated their resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and the provision of safe havens.
They stressed that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, and said all those involved in terrorist activities and their support networks must be held accountable and brought to justice under relevant national and international law.
“We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism,” the declaration said.
The BRICS leaders also emphasised that States bear the primary responsibility for combating terrorism and that international efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must comply with international law, including the UN Charter and relevant conventions and protocols.
They welcomed the activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and its five subgroups, and called for deeper counter-terrorism cooperation among member countries.
The declaration also called for the expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN framework, while stressing the need for concerted action against all UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities.
The leaders expressed concern over extremism and radicalisation, particularly among younger generations, and called for greater cooperation and sharing of best practices among BRICS countries.
They also raised concern over terrorism financing, including the illicit use of virtual assets, saying such activities could undermine economic stability, sustainable development and the integrity of the international financial system.
The declaration further flagged the proliferation of organised scam networks, including cross-border fraud operations and so-called scam compounds that exploit digital technologies, payment systems and vulnerable individuals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming the unanimous adoption of the declaration, said it reflected the confidence of a BRICS that was “wider in reach and stronger in purpose”.
“The New Delhi Declaration, adopted unanimously at the 2026 BRICS Delhi Summit, reflects the confidence of a BRICS that is wider in reach and stronger in purpose,” Modi said in a post on X.
He said the grouping would deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, quantum technologies, startups, MSMEs, science and research, besides strengthening the New Development Bank and cooperation in food, health, energy security, supply chains and sustainable infrastructure.
Modi said the declaration also carried a broader message on the need for global institutions to evolve in line with changing realities, with development remaining at the centre of the global agenda and the voice of the Global South receiving greater weight.
“BRICS stands for dialogue, reform, peace and a more representative multilateral order. At the same time, BRICS will keep speaking firmly against terrorism, double standards and threats to international stability,” he said.
India is hosting the two-day 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together leaders of member and partner countries as well as outreach invitees.
At the closing session, Modi said the declaration provided “clear direction” to the grouping’s shared resolve and called on member countries to translate the commitments into concrete results.
He said BRICS leaders had also exchanged views on key regional and global issues and priorities aimed at further strengthening cooperation within the grouping.
