India Hails BRICS Unity on Terrorism, UN Reforms at Rio Summit: PM Modi Stresses Global South’s Voice

At the 2025 Rio Summit of BRICS, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted two significant diplomatic achievements for India: a united condemnation of terrorism and a resolute push for comprehensive United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms.

Addressing fellow leaders of the 11-member BRICS grouping, PM Modi welcomed the “strongest language yet” in a BRICS declaration on both issues, asserting that the time had come for the voice of the Global South to shape global governance.

PM Modi on Terrorism: Zero Tolerance and No Double Standards

PM Modi strongly welcomed the BRICS joint condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed at least 26 lives and injured many others.

Describing terrorism as a grave threat to international peace and security, Modi reiterated India’s long-standing call for zero tolerance towards terrorism and the need to reject double standards in dealing with it.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir…

We reaffirm our collective resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms, including its cross-border movement, financing, and safe havens,” the declaration stated — language that mirrored India’s diplomatic phrasing aimed at Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism and China’s past reluctance to act against UN-sanctioned terrorists harbored in Pakistan.

PM Modi also stressed the urgency of concluding the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) under the UN framework, adding that “terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere.”

India Secures Strong Push for UNSC Reform

In another major takeaway for India, the BRICS Rio Declaration called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more democratic, inclusive, and reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities.

Modi lauded the declaration as the “strongest-ever endorsement” by BRICS for reforming global institutions.

The statement explicitly backed greater representation of developing countries and reaffirmed support for India and Brazil’s aspirations to play a greater role in the United Nations, including in the Security Council.

Notably, China and Russia, both permanent members of the UNSC, reiterated this support more clearly than in past declarations.

“This is a clear acknowledgment that the current multilateral system is outdated. It must evolve to amplify the voice of the Global South,” said Modi.

India Joins BRICS in Expressing Concern Over Iran and Gaza

While the Rio Declaration addressed a range of global issues, Modi navigated India’s delicate balancing act on West Asian conflicts.

India joined BRICS in condemning the recent military attacks on Iran since June 13 — without naming Israel — and expressed concern over attacks on nuclear facilities protected under IAEA safeguards.

The declaration also took a firm stance on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. It condemned “continuous Israeli attacks,” obstruction of aid, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war — allegations that Israel has denied.

The statement emphasized adherence to international law and called for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, as well as an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

Though India has historically sought to maintain balanced ties with both Israel and Palestine, Modi did not shy away from joining consensus in previous BRICS forums, including the Kazan and June 2024 Foreign Ministers’ meetings, where Israel was criticized for attacks on humanitarian operations.

BRICS Flags Concerns Over Unilateral Trade Measures

In a veiled reference to the United States, the declaration also criticized the rise of unilateral tariffs and non-tariff barriers that distort global trade and violate WTO norms.

PM Modi voiced India’s support for fair trade practices and stressed that unilateral sanctions and coercive economic measures are contrary to international law and detrimental to developing economies.

 A Summit of Strategic Wins

The 2025 Rio BRICS Summit reinforced India’s standing as a key voice for developing nations. From securing a sharper global consensus on terrorism to pushing forward long-overdue UNSC reforms, Prime Minister Modi’s engagement helped align BRICS more closely with India’s core foreign policy priorities.

As Modi remarked, “BRICS must continue to be a force for good – championing equity, justice, and peace in an increasingly multipolar world.”