At the meeting of the BRICS parliamentary forum held in Delhi, a joint declaration was adopted strongly condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack and other terrorist activities.
It also reaffirmed the commitment to fight together against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, while condemning interference in the internal affairs of other countries and unilateral economic and secondary sanctions.
The 12th meeting of the parliamentary forum of the BRICS grouping, which includes 11 countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia — began on Monday at the Constitution Club in Delhi (the old Parliament building) and was held for two days. On the concluding day, Tuesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that a joint declaration had been adopted. The declaration states:
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed, is strongly condemnable. Whatever the motive, no act of terrorism can ever be justified. There is a renewed commitment to fight together against all forms and manifestations of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.
Those involved in terrorist acts and their supporters must be held accountable and brought to justice under national and international laws. There should be no double standards in the fight against terrorism.
Resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict: In accordance with the UN Charter, we are committed to the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.
The Israel-Palestine conflict should be resolved peacefully, in line with international law and UN resolutions, under a mutual agreement that allows both countries to live peacefully and securely. The ongoing tensions in West Asia are a matter of deep concern. All concerned parties must exercise the utmost restraint.
Strong condemnation is expressed for all forms of violations of international humanitarian law. Attacks on civilians and public infrastructure are strongly condemnable.
Unilateral economic and secondary sanctions will have a negative impact on people’s rights to development, health, and food security.
The joint declaration states that in the framework of artificial intelligence (AI) and information and telecommunications technologies, due respect must be given to the sovereignty and national security of all countries, while ensuring transparency, security, stability, equitable access, and constructive use.
Vice President’s Dinner
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan hosted a luncheon for representatives of the BRICS parliamentary forum on Tuesday. On the occasion, he noted that broad cooperation, mutual trust, and collective efforts are essential to meet global challenges. He also spoke about India’s rich democratic tradition and its time-tested civilizational heritage.