New Delhi, Sept 2026 : The New Delhi Declaration 2026, adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit in the national capital, has strongly condemned the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 people and injured several others, while reaffirming the grouping’s commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The BRICS leaders reiterated their resolve to tackle terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and the provision of safe havens. They called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and stressed that there should be no double standards in efforts to counter terrorist activities.
“We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured,” the declaration said.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including terrorist movement across borders, financing of terrorism and safe havens for terrorists.
The Pahalgam attack was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks targeting civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. On April 22, 2025, terrorists opened fire on tourists at Pahalgam, killing 26 people after reportedly identifying their religion. The attack triggered widespread condemnation in India and internationally.
The BRICS leaders underlined that terrorism should not be linked to any particular religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. At the same time, they stressed that those involved in terrorist activities, as well as those supporting them, must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with national and international law.
“We reiterate that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice,” the declaration stated.
The leaders also emphasised that States have the primary responsibility for combating terrorism. They said international efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must comply fully with international law, including the UN Charter, relevant international conventions and protocols, international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, wherever applicable.
The declaration welcomed the ongoing activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five subgroups, which operate on the basis of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and the CTWG Position Paper.
The leaders said they looked forward to further strengthening cooperation among BRICS countries in countering terrorism and improving coordination between competent authorities.
They also called for the expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN framework. The declaration stressed the need for coordinated international action against all terrorists and terrorist organisations designated by the United Nations.
Another area of concern highlighted by the BRICS leaders was the spread of extremism and radicalisation, particularly among younger generations. They called for stronger cooperation among BRICS countries and their competent authorities, including through the exchange of best practices and experiences.
The leaders further expressed serious concern over terrorism financing and its potential impact on global economic stability. They noted that illicit activities, including the misuse of virtual assets and violations of domestic regulatory frameworks, could undermine sustainable development and the integrity of the international financial system.
The declaration also raised alarm over the growing proliferation of organised scam networks, including cross-border fraud operations and so-called scam compounds. Such networks, the leaders noted, increasingly exploit digital technologies, payment systems and vulnerable individuals.
The BRICS countries stressed the need for enhanced international cooperation to address these emerging threats, reinforcing their broader commitment to a coordinated and comprehensive global response to terrorism and related criminal activities.
