BRICS Summit: Modi Highlights Economic Cooperation and Condemns Terrorism

Modi's Remarks at the BRICS Summit

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that BRICS continues to be a formidable force for economic collaboration and global welfare. This statement came as several prominent leaders from member nations gathered for the summit in the coastal city of Brazil. After being welcomed by Brazilian leaders at the summit venue, Modi expressed his gratitude to President Lula for hosting this year's BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, stating, "BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global well-being."

Condemnation of Terrorism

During the first day of the two-day summit, BRICS leaders strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. They reiterated India's stance on adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and denounced the double standards in combating it. The leaders made it clear that they are committed to addressing terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists.

Key Issues Addressed in the BRICS Declaration

The BRICS leaders released the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, which outlines the group's position on several pressing global challenges, including the threat of terrorism, the situation in the Middle East, and issues related to trade and tariffs. Modi led the Indian delegation at the summit, where the declaration condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that occurred on April 22. The declaration reaffirmed BRICS' commitment to combat all forms of terrorism, including the financing of terrorism and providing safe havens for terrorists.

Commitment to Anti-Terrorism Cooperation

The declaration stated, "We urge the assurance of a policy of 'zero tolerance towards terrorism' and the rejection of double standards in combating terrorism." It emphasized the primary responsibility of nations to prevent and address terrorist threats, urging full compliance with international obligations under global efforts to combat terrorism.

Concerns Over Unilateral Measures

BRICS leaders also committed to deepening anti-terrorism cooperation and called for concrete actions against all terrorists and terrorist organizations designated by the United Nations. They expressed serious concerns regarding the rise of unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures, which were implicitly linked to U.S. policies on tariffs. Additionally, BRICS voiced worries about ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world and the current state of polarization and fragmentation in the international order, reiterating their serious concerns about the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.