New Delhi/Alive News: The BRICS Parliamentary Forum on Tuesday adopted a joint declaration strongly condemning the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The two-day conclave also called for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to make global institutions more representative and democratic.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the declaration, which reaffirmed the commitment of BRICS members to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The forum called for action against cross-border terrorism, terrorist financing and safe havens, emphasising that those responsible must be brought to justice under national and international law.
The declaration stated that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. It also called for zero tolerance towards terrorism, rejected double standards in counterterrorism efforts and urged the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN framework.
The forum opposed unilateral economic and secondary sanctions, arguing that such measures could adversely affect human rights, development, healthcare and food security. It also reiterated the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs and peaceful settlement of international disputes.
On West Asia, the declaration supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, recognising the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an independent, sovereign state. It expressed concern over escalating regional tensions and condemned violations of international humanitarian law, attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and obstruction of humanitarian assistance.
The forum also stressed the need for accountability for violations of humanitarian law and called for greater international cooperation to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures under the Paris Agreement.
Recognising the growing role of artificial intelligence and information and communication technologies, the declaration called for their safe, secure and equitable development. It highlighted the importance of AI-driven innovation, energy efficiency and economic growth, particularly for countries of the Global South.
BRICS members include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, alongside other participating countries under the grouping’s expanded framework.
