BRICS calls for ‘zero tolerance’ towards terrorism, condemns Pahalgam attack

The BRICS grouping has strongly condemned the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed, and called for a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, including cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and the provision of safe havens.

The New Delhi Declaration, adopted by consensus at the BRICS summit on Saturday, stated that individuals involved in terrorist activities, along with those supporting them, must be held accountable and prosecuted in accordance with national and international laws.

The declaration described all acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, irrespective of their motivation, location or perpetrators, while specifically condemning the Pahalgam attack.

BRICS leaders reiterated that terrorism must not be linked to any particular religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. They also opposed what they termed double standards in efforts to combat terrorism and stressed the need for a zero-tolerance approach, according to media reports.

The declaration further underlined that individual states bear the primary responsibility for tackling terrorism.

The grouping called for the early completion and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the United Nations framework. It also urged countries to step up coordinated efforts against terrorists and terrorist organisations designated by the UN.

BRICS leaders sought stronger cooperation to address extremism and radicalisation, particularly among young people, and encouraged member countries to share effective practices and strategies in this area.

The declaration also highlighted the expanding threat posed by organised scam networks, including cross-border fraud operations and scam compounds. It called for coordinated international measures to dismantle such networks, recover illicitly obtained funds and provide protection to victims.

The grouping further advocated closer coordination between financial intelligence units, law enforcement agencies, customs and tax authorities, telecommunications companies and technology platforms to combat money laundering, illicit financial flows and the misuse of emerging payment systems.