The leaders’ joint statement issued following the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro strongly echoed Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s stance on terrorism, including a broad condemnation of the menace in all its forms, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (Economic Relations), Dammu Ravi, said.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday (local time), Ravi stated that BRICS nations have expressed firm support for the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) — a longstanding Indian initiative at the United Nations, ANI reported.
The proposed treaty seeks to create a comprehensive legal framework to counter terrorism by defining and criminalising various terrorist acts, ensuring that perpetrators can be prosecuted or extradited globally.
Ravi highlighted that the BRICS leaders’ joint declaration, released on Sunday, unequivocally condemned all manifestations of terrorism, including its financing, reported ANI.
“Paragraph 34 [of the BRICS declaration] condemns terrorism in all its manifestations, including those who abet or finance it — whether covertly or overtly,” he said. “There’s also a reference to the cross-border movement of terrorists and the listing of terror groups. Strong support for the CCIT — India’s long-standing initiative in the UN — has been clearly articulated. That message is very clear to our neighbours.”
He emphasised that the BRICS leadership expressed a strong sense of solidarity and unity in countering terrorism, reported ANI.
“We have other pillars, but many of India’s ideas, which have been under negotiation for some time, were effectively captured. In today’s discussions, most of the views expressed aligned broadly with the Honourable Prime Minister’s perspective,” said Ravi.
Although Pakistan was not named directly, the BRICS declaration reaffirmed the group’s commitment to tackling cross-border terrorism, terror financing, and the existence of terrorist safe havens.
Ravi added: “Let me point to some of the key takeaways, particularly in the context of Pahalgam. Paragraph 34 makes it unequivocally clear: there is unanimous condemnation by all leaders. It refers to terrorism in all forms — including those who support or finance it, either openly or covertly. There’s also a clear mention of cross-border terrorist movement.”
He reiterated that the statement delivers a strong message to India’s neighbours.
“There’s also reference to the listing of terrorist groups and strong support for the Comprehensive Convention against Terrorism, which has been India’s initiative in the UN for a long time. For anyone who understands the dangers of terrorism, this is a strong and united message. The international community has spoken in one voice,” the MEA official said.
The BRICS leaders also strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.
“We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing, and safe havens,” the statement read.
Further, the leaders welcomed the ongoing work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five sub-groups, guided by the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Action Plan, and CTWG position paper.
During his address at the BRICS Summit, PM Modi, describing terrorism as the gravest threat facing humanity today, stressed that condemnation of terrorism should be a principle and not a matter of convenience.
Referring to the Pahalgam attack, he said it served as a stark reminder of the global nature of the terrorist threat and called for unwavering international solidarity.
PM Modi described the attack as a blow to the “soul, identity, and dignity” of India and acknowledged the widespread global support received in the wake of it. He urged the international community to impose decisive sanctions and insisted there must be no moral equivalence between victims and perpetrators of terrorism.
“For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism, or supporting terrorists in any form, must not be acceptable under any circumstances,” asserted PM Modi.
The BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazil, has witnessed the participation from leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside newly inducted members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia.
(With ANI inputs)