BRICS leaders unanimously condemn the Pahalgam terror attack, calling for accountability, an end to double standards in global counter-terrorism, and stronger cooperation. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand issues a landslide alert for four districts amid heavy rain forecasts. India gains diplomatic momentum in both international security and disaster preparedness.
In a powerful show of solidarity and a significant diplomatic win for India, the leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday unanimously condemned the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists on April 22, 2025. The collective denunciation was formally expressed in the “Rio de Janeiro Declaration” at the 17th BRICS Summit held in Brazil. This united front from the bloc of emerging powers—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and five new members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia—marked a pivotal moment in the global fight against terrorism.
A Heinous Act Sparks Global Outrage
The Pahalgam attack, perpetrated by Pakistan-sponsored militants affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the UN-proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), targeted Indian and Nepalese nationals. The attack was especially barbaric, as victims were reportedly segregated based on religion before being executed. The massacre has since drawn universal condemnation and renewed calls for unified international action against terrorism.
BRICS leaders condemned the incident “in the strongest terms” and reiterated their shared commitment to fight terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations,” including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing, and provision of safe havens. They emphasized the necessity of bringing perpetrators and their supporters to justice in accordance with international law.
The Rio Declaration: A Landmark Diplomatic Moment
The Rio Declaration serves as a robust and unambiguous condemnation of terrorism, stating:
“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. We urge zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism.”
Paragraph 34 of the declaration specifically addresses the Pahalgam incident, and its inclusion is being seen as a diplomatic victory for India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. PM Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated,
“There must be absolutely no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. Any silent support or approval to terrorism for personal or political interests must be unacceptable.”
Counter-Terrorism Strategy Under BRICS
The BRICS leaders further welcomed the ongoing work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five subgroups, established under the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Action Plan. They expressed the intent to deepen cooperation and pushed for the expedited adoption of the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) under the United Nations framework.
Despite the strong language, the declaration refrained from explicitly naming Pakistan, presumably to maintain consensus due to China’s known diplomatic support of its South Asian ally. However, the implications were clear, especially in light of Pakistan’s application to join BRICS, which has been put on hold.
NSA Doval’s Strong Stand at SCO
India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, speaking at the 20th meeting of the Security Council Secretaries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Beijing last month, also underlined the continued threat from UN-designated terrorist groups operating out of Pakistan. He specifically named LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Al-Qaeda, and ISIS as the key threats.
Doval criticized the practice of adopting double standards in the fight against terrorism—treating some terrorists as ‘freedom fighters’—and urged SCO members to hold the organizers, sponsors, and financiers of cross-border terrorism accountable.
His remarks echo India’s broader demand for consistency and zero-tolerance in the global fight against terrorism—a theme now picked up by the BRICS grouping as well.
Broader Implications for Global Security
Apart from condemning the Pahalgam attack, the BRICS declaration also highlighted concerns over the use of cryptocurrencies by terrorist organizations and ongoing terror activities by ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria, including recent attacks on religious establishments.
The leaders reaffirmed that terrorism should never be linked to any religion, ethnicity, or nationality, and all those involved must be held accountable.
The consensus statement, signed by all 11 BRICS leaders, is viewed as a moral and strategic high point in global counter-terrorism cooperation, especially as it aligns with international human rights law, refugee law, and humanitarian law under the UN Charter.
Landslide Alert in Uttarakhand Amid Heavy Rain Forecast
While global leaders addressed issues of security and terrorism, back home in India, a natural threat loomed large. The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Uttarakhand has issued a high-alert landslide warning for four districts—Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli—following forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The alert, effective for July 7 and 8, warns of potential landslides in multiple subdivisions such as Ukhimath, Ghansali, Narendra Nagar, Dhanaulti, Dunda, and Chinyalisaur. Authorities have been instructed to remain on high alert, regulate traffic, and prepare emergency supplies.
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Police stations and outposts are required to be equipped with disaster response gear including raincoats, torches, helmets, and communication systems. Tourists are advised to avoid travel in the high Himalayan zones, and educational institutions have been urged to take precautions to protect schoolchildren.
All officers and emergency staff have been instructed not to switch off their mobile phones during this period and to ensure timely communication with the state control room in the event of a disaster.
