'There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists', PM Modi at Rio Summit

There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists and the victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the BRICS Summit on Sunday while calling for united efforts to combat the menace. In an address at a session on peace and security, Modi said the "brutal and cowardly" Pahalgam terror attack was a direct strike on the "soul, identity and dignity" of India. Describing terrorism as the "most serious" challenge facing the globe, the prime minister said the April 22 attack was not just a blow to India but to the entire humanity. The top leaders of BRICS held deliberations on a range of pressing challenges facing the world on the first day of the grouping's two-day annual summit in this seaside Brazilian city. “Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience'," Modi said in an apparent reference to China that supported Islamabad with military supplies during the May 7-10 conflict between Indian and Pakistani militaries. "If we first see in which country the attack took place, against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity. There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists," he said.

Modi's call for imposing sanctions on terrorists without hesitation comes against the backdrop of China blocking efforts at the UN Security Council in recent years to list several Pakistan-based terrorists. The prime minister also asserted that the victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be "weighed on the same scale”. Modi's remarks came against the backdrop of unease in New Delhi over several countries hyphenating India and Pakistan following their May 7-10 military clashes. "For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable under any circumstances," he said. "There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises whether we are serious about the fight against terrorism or not," he asked. The prime minister expressed his "heartfelt gratitude" to the friendly countries who stood with India and supported it following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin skipped the summit, hosted by Brazil in its capacity as the current chair of the influential grouping. The BRICS has emerged as an influential grouping as it brings together 11 major emerging economies of the world, representing around 49.5 per cent of the global population, around 40 per cent of the global GDP and around 26 per cent of the global trade.

Modi said global peace and security is not just an ideal, but it is the "foundation of our common interests and future". "Development of humanity is possible only in a peaceful and secure environment. BRICS has a very important role in fulfilling this objective," he said. "To face our common challenges, we have to unite and make collective efforts. We have to move forward together," he added. In his remarks, Modi also expressed serious concerns over the situation in Gaza. "From West Asia to Europe, today the world is surrounded by disputes and tensions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a cause of great concern," he said. The prime minister added: "India firmly believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the only option for the welfare of humanity." "India is the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. There is no place for war and violence for us," he added. The prime minister said, "India supports every effort that takes the world away from division and conflict and leads it towards dialogue, cooperation and coordination and increases solidarity and trust.” "In this direction, we are committed to cooperation and partnership with all friendly countries," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for BRICS to act as a catalyst for global cooperation and a multipolar world, urging the grouping to lead by example and meet the expectations of the Global South. Speaking at the Outreach Session on 'Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs and Artificial Intelligence' at the 17th BRICS Summit here, Modi said the strength of the bloc lies in its diversity and shared commitment to multipolarity. "The diversity of the BRICS group and our firm belief in multipolarity are our greatest strengths. We must reflect on how BRICS can serve as a guiding force for a multipolar world in times to come," the prime minister said. He stressed that to be taken seriously on the global stage, BRICS must first improve its internal systems. In a post on X he said,"First, emphasis should be on improving our own systems so that our credibility is boosted when we call for reformed multilateralism. This is important considering economic cooperation within BRICS has been steadily progressing." "While sanctioning projects through the BRICS New Development Banks (NDBs), there must be a focus on demand-driven decision-making, long-term financial sustainability and maintaining a healthy credit rating," he added. Underscoring the need to meet the expectations of the Global South, Prime Minister Modi said BRICS must share innovations in agriculture and science. "The Global South has expectations from us. To fulfill them, we must follow the principle of 'Lead by Example'. India is fully committed to working shoulder to shoulder with all partners to achieve mutual goals," he said.

Modi highlighted the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform established in India as a model to exchange best practices in agri-biotech, precision farming and climate adaptation. He also proposed the creation of a BRICS Science and Research Repository to extend the benefits of collaboration to other developing nations. On global supply chains, he called for cooperation on critical minerals and technologies, warning against their weaponisation. "We must ensure no country uses these resources solely for its own interests or as a weapon," he said. The Prime Minister also pitched for collective action on Artificial Intelligence governance, rooted in human values. "Working on the mantra of 'AI for All', India is actively and extensively using AI in sectors such as agriculture, health, governance and education," he said. "We believe that resolving concerns in AI governance and encouraging innovation should both be given equal priority," Modi said. He invited BRICS partners to the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026. The 17th BRICS Summit-- which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- saw participation from its members, partners, and outreach invitees.