There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists: PM Modi at BRICS

Rio de Janeiro: Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale and there should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the BRICS Summit on Sunday.

In an address at a session on peace and security, Modi said the "cowardly" Pahalgam terror attack was a direct strike on the "soul, identity and dignity" of India as he called for united efforts to combat the challenge of terrorism.

"Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today," he said.

The top leaders of BRICS held deliberations on a range of pressing challenges facing the globe on the first day of the grouping's two-day annual summit in this seaside Brazilian city.

"This attack was a blow not only on India but on the entire humanity," Modi said about the Pahalgam attack, adding "condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience'".

"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 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 said.