NEW DELHI: The Brics countries have strongly condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and calling for “zero tolerance” towards the menace.The condemnation was included in the New Delhi Declaration 2026, adopted at the 18th Brics Summit in New Delhi on Saturday.The declaration also opposed double standards in countering terrorism and called for concerted action against all UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities.“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.It specifically condemned “in the strongest terms” the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, during which 26 people were killed and several others injured.
Brics reaffirms stand against cross-border terror
The Brics declaration reaffirmed the grouping’s commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens.The grouping said terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. It also stressed that those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international law.The declaration called for “zero tolerance for terrorism” and rejected double standards in countering terrorism.It also emphasised the primary responsibility of states in combating terrorism, while stressing that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must comply with international law, including the UN Charter and relevant international conventions and protocols.Brics welcomed the activities of its Counter-Terrorism Working Group and its five subgroups, which operate on the basis of the Brics Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and the Counter-Terrorism Working Group Position Paper.The grouping also called for the expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN framework.The declaration further stressed the importance of countering extremism and radicalisation, particularly among younger generations, and called for greater cooperation among Brics countries and their competent authorities, including through the sharing of best practices.
Pahalgam attack and India’s response
On April 22, last year, 26 civilians were killed in a terrorist attack in the Baisaran meadow area near Pahalgam in South Kashmir, a major tourist destination.The victims were segregated by the attackers based on religion before being shot in front of their families, triggering widespread outrage.Security forces launched search operations in the surrounding areas following the attack, while investigations were expanded to trace the terrorist network and its logistical support.India responded with “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, 2025, carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.The operation marked a major escalation with Pakistan, followed by a four-day conflict that ended with a ceasefire on May 10, after Islamabad’s request.In the aftermath, Indian armed forces launched “Operation Mahadev” and tracked down and eliminated the three attackers involved in the Pahalgam killings.
Declaration backs India, Brazil for greater UN role
Beyond terrorism, the New Delhi Declaration reaffirmed Brics’ support for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the UN Security Council, with greater representation for developing countries.China and Russia, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, reiterated their support for the aspirations of India and Brazil to play a greater role in the UN, including its Security Council.The declaration called for greater and more meaningful participation and representation of emerging market and developing countries, as well as Least Developed Countries, in global decision-making processes.On Security Council reform, Brics said the process should make the body more democratic, representative, effective and efficient while increasing the representation of developing countries.“We stress that the UN Security Council reform is to lead to the amplified voice of the Global South,” the declaration said.The grouping also called for equitable geographical representation in the UN Secretariat and other international organisations, particularly at senior and decision-making levels.
Brics raises concerns over trade measures
The declaration also expressed serious concern over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, saying they distort trade, threaten global supply chains and create uncertainty for international economic activity.Brics reaffirmed its support for reform of the World Trade Organization and called for an open, equitable, transparent, fair, inclusive, predictable and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core.The grouping also advocated the immediate restoration of an accessible, effective and fully functioning two-tier binding WTO dispute settlement mechanism and called for the appointment of new Appellate Body members without further delay.
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On unilateral coercive measures, Brics condemned sanctions that it said were contrary to international law and reiterated its opposition to unilateral coercive measures, including those not authorised by the UN Security Council.The New Delhi Declaration was adopted during the 18th Brics Summit, being hosted by India on September 12-13 under its 2026 chairship. India’s Brics chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
