New Delhi, May 15 (JKNS): Reiterating their firm commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, BRICS Foreign Ministers on Friday strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead and several others injured.
According to a statement issued at the conclusion of the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, as per news agency JKNS, the ministers described terrorism as “criminal and unjustifiable” irrespective of its motivation, location, timing or perpetrators.
The statement said the ministers reaffirmed their commitment towards fighting terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, terror financing, safe havens and support networks facilitating terrorist activities.
The BRICS nations also reiterated that terrorism should not be linked with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, while stressing that all individuals, entities and organisations involved in terror activities or supporting them must be held accountable and brought to justice.
The ministers called for a “zero tolerance” approach against terrorism and firmly rejected double standards in global counter-terrorism measures. They stressed that international efforts to combat terrorism must fully comply with international law, the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law and human rights obligations.
The statement further welcomed the functioning of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and its sub-groups operating under the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Action Plan.
The ministers also urged early finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework and called for coordinated action against all UN-designated terrorists and terror entities worldwide.
Meanwhile, the BRICS statement noted that member countries could not arrive at a consensus regarding the ongoing situation in West Asia and the Middle East, preventing the issuance of a joint declaration on the matter.
The ministers, however, expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region and condemned attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure and obstruction of humanitarian assistance. They also called for an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and sought unhindered humanitarian aid for affected civilians.
The BRICS grouping presently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. (JKNS)
