Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just 'convenience': PM Modi at BRICS summit
Addressing the BRICS Session on Peace and Security, the Prime Minister highlighted the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 as a stark reminder of terrorism's threat to global peace and called for unwavering international solidarity.
He stated that the attack was a blow to the "soul, identity, and dignity" of India, acknowledging the international support that the nation received in solidarity.
"Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only to India but to the entire humanity. In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences," the PM stated.
"Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience'. If we first see in which country the attack took place and against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity," he added.
He further emphasised the need for decisive action, calling for sanctions against such acts.
He further noted that words and actions regarding terrorism should be the same.
"There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. The victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism and supporting terror or terrorists should not be acceptable under any circumstances. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises: are we serious about the fight against terrorism or not?" he noted.
The Prime Minister's address also situated the fight against terrorism within a broader global context, noting the pervasive threats from West Asia to Europe and the humanitarian crisis 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. India firmly believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the only option for the welfare of humanity," he said while reaffirming India's commitment to peace rooted in its cultural heritage and positioning the country as a proponent of peaceful resolution.
"India is the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. There is no place for war and violence for us. 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," he added.
PM Modi also highlighted the role of BRICS in fostering global peace and security, stating, "Global peace and security is not just an ideal; it is the foundation of our common interests and future. The development of humanity is possible only in a peaceful and secure environment. BRICS has a very important role in fulfilling this objective. We have to unite and make collective efforts to face our common challenges. We have to move forward together."
The Prime Minister concluded with an invitation to BRICS leaders to visit India for the next summit under India's chairmanship in 2026, further underscoring the alliance's potential to drive global stability.
The summit, hosted by Brazil from July 7 to July 9, saw leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia coming together during the event. (
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
17 hours ago
- Times of Oman
"Healthy India-China relationship serves long term interests of both countries", says Chinese FM Wang Yi
New Delhi: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed optimism in the India-China ties and said that it gives great importance to the Prime Minister's visit to China to attend the SCO Summit. He said that the bilateral relationship is facing an important opportunity of improvement and growth, saying that a healthy and stable India-China relationship serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both of our countries. Wang Yi made the initial remarks during his special representatives meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. "The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Minister's visit to China to attend the SCO summit at our invitation. We believe that the Indian side will also make your contribution to a successful summit in Tianjin", Wang Yi said. Wang Yi said, "I am ready to work with you to build more consensus and identify the direction, the specific goals of the boundary consultations going forward and create all conditions for the improvement and further growth of our bilateral relations." He highlighted in his remarks that the two sides should follow the strategic guidance of our leaders, increase mutual trust through strategic communication, and expand common interests through exchanges and cooperation. The Chinese Foreign Minister appreciated the developments in the bilateral ties since the meeting of PM Modi and Xi Jinping in Kazan last year, noting that it "pointed the direction for the development of our bilateral relations and provided impetus for the proper settlement of the boundary question." Appreciating the previous round of the 23rd round of special representatives talks at the end of last year, Yi said, "At that meeting, we reached new and important consensus on the management of disagreements, stabilising the borders and moving toward a settlement. We identified specific goals and formed a working framework". Wang Yi expressed contentment with the restoration of stability on the borders. "Mr Doval, I appreciate the effort you made as special representative of the Indian side. Now, the bilateral relationship is facing an important opportunity of improvement and growth." Wang Yi said that India and China should follow the strategic guidance of their leaders, increase mutual trust through strategic communication, expand common interest through exchanges and cooperation, and "properly settle the specific issues in the borders so as to advance our relationship in a healthy and sound manner." National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval said on Tuesday that, during his initial remarks in talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting for the SCO Summit shortly. He also appreciated the upward momentum in the ties, highlighting the peace and tranquillity along the borders and underlined the role played by the Indian and Chinese leadership in giving a boost to move ahead since their talks in Kazan last year. Earlier, as per sources, China promised to address India's three concerns, namely rare earths, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines. Wang Yi arrived in India on Monday for a two-day visit and held talks with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.
Times of Oman
19 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Govt fiscal deficit may widen by 0.2% due to GST changes, but growth gains outweigh slippage: Report
New Delhi: The government's fiscal deficit could see a short-term increase due to proposed changes in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, but the growth boost is expected to outweigh the temporary slippage, according to a report by Emkay Research. The report highlighted that the fiscal deficit could widen by 0.1 per cent in FY26E to 4.5 per cent and by 0.2 per cent in FY27E to 4.6 per cent. However, this widening is seen as a transient factor that would normalize within two to three years. "The government should absorb the revenue loss through the higher deficit, as the growth accretion will cover the shortfall within 2-3 years," the report noted. This shortfall, the report said, will be partially made up by tax buoyancy and asset sales. The report added that the government has the numbers to push the GST changes through, but it will need to convince states, as the revenue loss could push some states beyond the 3 per cent to 3.5 per cent deficit ceiling. The GST rationalization must be cleared by the GST Council, where the central government has a 33 per cent vote, and the remaining 67 per cent is equally split among 31 states and union territories. All decisions require a 75 per cent weighted average majority, which means support from at least 20 of the 31 states is needed. The report also highlighted that India's complex GST structure is a "millstone around the growth neck," and rationalization is worth the risk. Strong macro-financial stability, reflected in the recent ratings upgrade, provides a favorable environment to carry out these reforms. Still, the research firm cautioned that GST Council approval is necessary and rates on individual categories could change in the final announcement. Assuming no changes in expenditure, the Centre's FY26 net fiscal slippage is estimated at around 0.2 per cent of GDP, with lower tax revenues being offset by higher dividends and PSU divestment. On the positive side, the report mentioned that the consumer inflation could ease by around 50-60 basis points over the next year. However, the overall impact on aggregate demand will depend on the government's fiscal stance. Any reduction in capital expenditure or social sector and rural schemes could limit the demand boost. The report concluded that the policy intent to shift to a two-tier GST structure is a welcome move, as indirect taxes are regressive in nature. While the reforms may cause short-term fiscal pressure, they are expected to support growth and simplify the tax structure in the long run.
Times of Oman
20 hours ago
- Times of Oman
China assures India to address needs of fertilisers, rare earths, tunnel boring machines: Sources
New Delhi: As per sources, China has promised to address India's three concerns, namely rare earths, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines. According to sources, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar that China is addressing the three key concerns of India's needs of fertilisers, rare earths and tunnel boring machines. The Chinese Foreign Minister arrived in India on Monday for a two-day visit. Earlier on Monday, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said in his opening remarks that the talks would cover "economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges". EAM followed up on concerns he had brought up during his visit to China in July earlier this year. During his opening remarks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, EAM had underscored that as neighbouring nations and major economies in the world, there are various facets and dimensions of the India-China ties. "It is also essential in this context that restrictive trade measures and roadblocks are avoided", he said. Jaishankar had further noted, "Stable and constructive ties between India and China are not only to our benefit, but that of the world as well. This is best done by handling relations on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity". During his remarks with the Chinese Foreign Minister in New Delhi on Monday, the EAM had noted that differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict. He added that the visit of the Chinese leader to India provides the two countries with an opportunity to review the bilateral ties, and it is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest. The ties between India and China had plunged after the actions of the Chinese military along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh that led to a standoff. The standoff began in April-May 2020, and there was some easing of tensions due to agreements on the disengagement of troops from some friction points. Ahead of the 2024 BRICS Summit, India and China reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, marking progress in easing tensions. The two countries have in recent months taken steps to improve their ties. India has stressed the need of taking steps towards de-escalation along LAC in eastern Ladakh. With a flux in geo-political situation amid efforts to find a solution to the Ukraine war and tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, Jaishankar said there is an imperative to enhance stability in the global economy as well. Wang Yi's visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September.
