Pahalgam attack draws global condemnation
BRICS Unity at Rio Summit Reflects India’s Anti-Terror Stand: The 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6–7, 2025, marked a historic moment in international diplomacy. The summit opened with strong condemnation of the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack was labeled a “crime against humanity” in the summit declaration.
All BRICS members voiced firm support for India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. The Rio Declaration emphasized that cross-border terrorism, terror financing, and harboring terrorists must be tackled globally without double standards.
Static GK fact: BRICS was established in 2009 as a group of five major emerging economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
India demands accountability
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BRICS leaders to take decisive action against terrorism. He criticized international double standards and reminded the world that developing nations have faced the brunt of terrorism while being sidelined in decision-making.
He pointed out that nations like India, despite contributing heavily to global peace efforts, are often ignored when framing global security policies. The BRICS consensus on terrorism echoed India’s long-standing position on the issue.
Push for global reform
PM Modi’s key address centered around reforming outdated global institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO, and international financial bodies. Comparing them to “typewriters in the age of AI,” he called for an urgent upgrade of voting rights, leadership structures, and decision-making frameworks.
Modi highlighted that two-thirds of the world’s population—especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America—remains underrepresented in global governance systems.
Static GK Tip: The UN Security Council has five permanent members with veto power—USA, UK, France, Russia, and China—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Rio Declaration for a fairer world
The Rio Declaration emerged as a blueprint for global fairness. It demanded that global bodies become more democratic and inclusive, especially toward the Global South. The declaration also laid out stronger collaboration in security, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchange.
New BRICS expansion and initiatives
The summit welcomed Indonesia as a full-time BRICS member. Countries like Belarus, Nigeria, Cuba, and Vietnam joined as official BRICS partners, signaling a major expansion in BRICS’ global relevance.
Three new initiatives were launched:
- BRICS Climate Finance Framework to support green development.
- Global AI Governance Statement to regulate responsible use of artificial intelligence.
- Partnership to Eliminate Socially Determined Diseases, targeting health issues tied to poverty.
Static GK fact: The term BRIC was originally coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001, with South Africa joining in 2010.
Emphasis on peace and digital safety
The declaration emphasized dialogue over conflict and condemned the destruction of civilian infrastructure. BRICS also committed to cybersecurity, pushing for rules to ensure open, stable, and secure digital spaces.
The group warned against unfair trade barriers and digital manipulation, calling for stronger global cyber laws.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
BRICS Unity at Rio Summit Reflects India’s Anti-Terror Stand:
| Topic | Detail |
| 17th BRICS Summit | Held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 6–7, 2025 |
| Pahalgam Attack | Occurred on April 22, 2025; condemned by all BRICS nations |
| PM Modi’s Stand | Called for global zero tolerance on terrorism |
| Rio Declaration | Adopted to support global reforms and inclusivity |
| New BRICS Member | Indonesia joined as full-time member |
| BRICS Initiatives | Climate Finance, AI Governance, Social Health Partnership |
| BRICS Expansion | 11 new partner countries including Nigeria, Cuba, Belarus |
| Global Reform Agenda | UN, WTO, IMF urged to include voices from the Global South |
| Digital Focus | Emphasis on cybersecurity and fair internet governance |
| BRICS Formation Year | Established in 2009; South Africa joined in 2010 |
