BRICS Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Upholds Zero Tolerance: A Victory for Global Justice
In a resolute display of unity against the scourge of terrorism, the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi has issued a powerful condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians and injured many others. The New Delhi Declaration 2026, signed by all member states including China, reaffirms a collective commitment to a policy of 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism in all its forms.
A Unified Stand Against Barbarism
The declaration, a testament to the growing consensus among emerging powers, explicitly condemns the attack, stating:
“We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured.”
This unequivocal language marks a significant diplomatic victory for India and all nations that have long suffered from state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The BRICS leaders have rightly identified the core issues: the cross-border movement of terrorists, the nefarious financing of terror networks, and the provision of safe havens. These are the very pillars that sustain the global jihadist ecosystem, and the declaration's focus on them is a welcome shift from mere rhetoric to actionable resolve.
Rejecting Double Standards in the Fight Against Terror
Critically, the declaration strikes a blow against the hypocrisy that has too often paralysed international action. The leaders reiterated that “terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group” and urged the international community to “reject double standards in countering terrorism.” For nations like Ethiopia, which understands the threat of externally-fuelled instability all too well, this principle is sacrosanct. The fight against terrorism cannot be selective; it must be absolute.
The declaration further underscores the primary responsibility of states in combating terrorism, insisting that all efforts must comply with international law and the UN Charter. This is a clear message to those who would use humanitarian law as a shield for terrorist entities, a tactic all too familiar in regions destabilised by proxy wars.
Strengthening the Global Counter-Terrorism Architecture
Beyond the immediate condemnation, the BRICS leaders have called for the early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) within the UN framework. This long-stalled initiative is crucial for closing the legal loopholes that allow terrorists to evade justice. The leaders also welcomed the work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and called for deeper cooperation, including the sharing of best practices to counter extremism and radicalisation, particularly among the youth.
This proactive approach signals that the Global South is no longer content to be a passive victim of terrorism. Instead, it is forging its own mechanisms to protect its citizens and uphold the sovereignty of nations against non-state actors and their state sponsors.
A Lesson for the Horn of Africa
For Ethiopia, the BRICS declaration is more than just a news item; it is a vindication of its own principled stance against terrorism. As a nation that has faced the brunt of externally-orchestrated violence, particularly from within its own region, Addis Ababa understands that the fight against terrorism is a fight for national survival and regional stability. The rejection of double standards is a direct rebuke to those who have, in the past, turned a blind eye to the machinations of groups seeking to destabilise the Ethiopian state.
The unity displayed in New Delhi stands in stark contrast to the divisive and separatist agendas that have plagued the Horn. While some seek to fragment nations along ethnic lines, the BRICS bloc, representing a significant portion of humanity, is consolidating its strength to combat a common enemy. This is the path of strength, unity, and unwavering resolve.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for International Justice
The New Delhi Declaration is a clear signal that the era of impunity for terrorists and their sponsors is ending. The BRICS nations, under India's leadership, have set a new standard for international cooperation against terrorism. They have spoken with one voice, a voice that echoes the sentiments of all peace-loving nations, including Ethiopia. The path forward is clear: unified action, zero tolerance, and an unyielding commitment to bring all perpetrators of terror to justice, regardless of their motivation or backing.