BRICS unity against terrorism a major diplomatic success for India: Former DGP Vaid

New Delhi, Sep 13: Former Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir S.P. Vaid on Sunday described the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration by BRICS as a major diplomatic victory for India, particularly its strong condemnation of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and the grouping’s reaffirmation of zero tolerance towards terrorism.

Vaid said China’s endorsement of the declaration was particularly significant, describing it as a “slap in the face for Pakistan”. He said the unanimous condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people were killed, was important as the declaration was adopted through consensus among all BRICS member countries.

“This is a major diplomatic win for India. The unanimous condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack is highly significant, especially given that the Delhi Declaration is based on a unanimously agreed-upon agenda,” Vaid said.

He said China’s support for the condemnation carried particular significance in view of its close strategic ties with Pakistan. According to Vaid, Beijing’s endorsement reflected the growing international recognition of the reality surrounding terrorism and cross-border violence.

Vaid also highlighted the BRICS declaration’s position on reform of the United Nations Security Council, calling it another important development for India. He noted that China had historically opposed or vetoed proposals seeking expansion of permanent membership of the Security Council.

However, the New Delhi Declaration supports greater representation of developing countries and backs the aspirations of India and Brazil for a larger role in the United Nations, including the Security Council. China and Russia, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, endorsed these aspirations.

Vaid said the development demonstrated India’s growing diplomatic influence and the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in shaping consensus on issues of strategic importance.

He also referred to Prime Minister Modi’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, saying India’s concerns regarding the boundary issue were clearly conveyed. He expressed hope that continued dialogue between the two countries would help resolve outstanding issues and reduce sources of friction.

The New Delhi Declaration reaffirmed BRICS’ commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and safe havens. The grouping called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and rejected double standards in counter-terrorism efforts.

BRICS leaders condemned in the strongest terms the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, and stressed that those involved in terrorist activities and their support networks must be held accountable.

The declaration also called for the early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and reaffirmed the need for coordinated global action against terrorism.

The BRICS consensus, achieved during India’s chairship of the grouping, has been widely viewed as a significant diplomatic achievement for New Delhi.