BRICS strongly condemns terrorism and endorses India’s view on tariff and global trade
India could not have asked for more from the BRICS Summit at Rio, Brazil. It gave a stamp of approval to India’s contention on terror and tariffs, the two primary concerns of India and for that matter, the Global South. The BRICS Summit unanimously voiced its concern for a more equitable global trade environment. In a powerful declaration adopted on Sunday, the BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — condemned the Pahalgam terror attack “in the strongest terms” and reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. Though the document did not explicitly name Pakistan, its reference to “cross-border terrorism,” “terrorism financing,” and “safe havens” strongly mirrored India’s stand and was a rebuke to Islamabad, which has used non-state actors to indulge in acts of terror and has used it as a tool of diplomacy.
It was indeed a balanced declaration, which, while upholding India’s view on terrorism, did not link it to any religion, nationality, civilisation, or ethnic group — a principle New Delhi has all along maintained and cherished. India firmly believes that terrorism has no religion or nationality; it is a crime against humanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the summit, struck a resolute tone: “Condemning terrorism must be a matter of principle, and not just of convenience,” he said. “If our response depends on where or against whom the attack occurred, it shall be a betrayal of humanity itself.”
In one sentence, Prime Minister Modi gave a subtle warning to China, which has on various occasions blocked UN action against Pakistan-based terror outfits. Modi further emphasised the need for unambiguous global action: “There must be no hesitation in imposing sanctions on terrorists. The victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be treated equally.”
The BRICS declaration echoed this sentiment, underlining “zero tolerance” for terrorism and calling on all nations to fulfill their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter. This is seen as an indirect reminder to China, whose diplomatic shielding of Pakistan at the UN has repeatedly frustrated India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The other highlight of the BRICS Summit has been its stand on global trade. On trade, the Summit also acknowledged India’s position on unjust tariffs and the need for fairer global trading systems. The leaders backed India’s concerns over protectionism and unilateral trade measures imposed by some advanced economies, mainly the USA. The summit gave unequivocal support for a level playing field and denounced the tariff regime propagated by American President Donald Trump. However, Trump was quick to retaliate and said that those countries that align with BRICS would have to pay an additional 10 per cent tariff. In all, the BRICS Summit in Brazil offered India both a platform and validation. The clear articulation of New Delhi’s core concerns — from terrorism to trade justice — and their endorsement in the final declaration marks a strategic and moral victory for Indian diplomacy on the global stage.
