PM Modi at BRICS Summit: “Condemning terrorism must be a principle, not a matter of convenience”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other world leaders, participated in a significant family photo session at the 17th BRICS Summit held at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday. The family photo, capturing leaders from the BRICS nations and beyond, symbolised a moment of unity and collective commitment among the member countries to tackle global challenges and foster shared growth.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa were seen alongside leaders and representatives from the seven other BRICS member nations, including Prime Minister Modi. The image captured the spirit of cooperation that defines the BRICS grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.

At the BRICS Summit session on Peace and Security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful statement condemning terrorism as a grave global challenge, highlighting the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22nd April, which he described as an assault on India's soul and dignity, as well as a blow to humanity. Expressing gratitude to countries that stood by India during this time, he emphasised that condemning terrorism should be a principle, not a convenience. PM Modi called for a unified, principled approach in tackling



terrorism, stating that it would be a betrayal to humanity to judge such acts based on their location or the target, urging all nations to put aside political considerations and unite for global peace and human dignity.

Following the family photo, Prime Minister Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to emphasise the collective vision for a more inclusive and equitable global future. He stated, “With fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming our commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth. BRICS holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also highlighted the collective commitment of BRICS nations to address global challenges and promote common values. The MEA shared a post on X saying, “A collective commitment to addressing global challenges & promoting common values. PM Narendra Modi joined the Leaders from the BRICS countries for the family photo at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.”

At the 17th BRICS summit, PM Modi says, "The expansion of BRICS and the joining of new friends is proof that BRICS is an organisation that can change itself according to the times. Now, we will have to show the same willpower for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO and Multilateral Development Banks."