NEW DELHI: The BRICS grouping, now expanded to 11 members, extended unequivocal support to India’s core concerns at the Rio Summit, issuing a strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and backing comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC). These were two significant diplomatic takeaways for India from the summit of major emerging economies.
India also joined the bloc in condemning recent military attacks on Iran since June 13—though Israel was not explicitly named. The declaration further expressed deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemned “continuous Israeli attacks” in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, obstruction of aid delivery, and the alleged use of starvation as a weapon of war—accusations Israel has firmly rejected.
The Rio Declaration reflected shared concerns over rising protectionist trade measures, calling out the use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff barriers that undermine global trade and violate WTO principles. While the language appeared to be directed at the U.S.—particularly the Trump administration’s approach—the declaration refrained from naming any country, owing to reservations from some member states. It stressed that unilateral sanctions and coercive measures are contrary to international law and carry severe global consequences.
Significantly, at India’s insistence, the declaration featured a detailed and forceful section on terrorism. It emphasized zero tolerance, rejected double standards, and urged concerted global efforts to counter terrorism financing, cross-border movement of terrorists, and the existence of safe havens. This language closely mirrors India’s long-standing criticism of Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism and of China’s repeated blocking of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based terrorists.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which killed at least 26 people and injured many more,” the declaration stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
It also called for the speedy finalization of the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN—a goal India has championed for years.
Indian officials highlighted that the Rio Declaration carried the strongest-ever language on UNSC reform, calling for a body that is more democratic, representative, effective, and efficient, with greater representation for developing nations. Unlike past declarations, China and Russia—permanent UNSC members—explicitly reiterated support for the aspirations of both Brazil and India to take on greater roles in the UN, including within the Security Council. Notably, earlier statements such as the 2022 Beijing Declaration only mentioned India’s role in the UN system in general terms, without specific reference to the UNSC.
The declaration underscored that a reformed UNSC would give a stronger voice to the Global South, aligning with India’s campaign to democratize global governance.
On Iran, the bloc condemned the strikes—without naming the perpetrators—and expressed alarm over “deliberate” attacks on nuclear facilities that are under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. This marked a more assertive tone compared to a previous BRICS statement last month that only conveyed concern; both declarations were backed by India.
The Rio document also reaffirmed BRICS’ stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, specifically calling for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an immediate, unconditional ceasefire. It reiterated that the Gaza Strip remains an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and urged adherence to international humanitarian law.
Although the summit amplified criticism of Israel by referencing allegations like the use of starvation as a war tactic, India has previously supported similar BRICS statements. In June 2024, India joined a BRICS foreign ministers’ statement denouncing Israeli actions, and at the Kazan Summit, India backed a resolution that condemned attacks on humanitarian facilities in Gaza.
In essence, while India continues its delicate balancing act on complex geopolitical issues like Gaza, its influence within BRICS was clearly visible in shaping the summit’s agenda—particularly on terrorism and UNSC reforms.
