New Delhi, May 15: India concluded a two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in New Delhi on Friday, opting to release a chair’s statement instead of a joint communiqué due to differing views among member countries regarding the situation in the Middle East and West Asia.
The foreign ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation to address the growing humanitarian crises worldwide. They expressed concern over the declining international response to humanitarian aid, condemning all violations of international humanitarian law, including deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and targeting of relief workers.
The ministers emphasized the need for accountability in cases of violations of international humanitarian law. They acknowledged that BRICS nations have made several efforts to ensure respect for and proper adherence to international humanitarian law.
The statement noted, “There were differing opinions among some member countries regarding the situation in West Asia and the Middle East. BRICS nations presented their national perspectives and shared various views, including the need for a swift resolution to the ongoing crisis, the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to international law, secure and uninterrupted trade through international waterways, and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Several countries also expressed concerns about the impact of recent events on the global economy.”
The ministers condemned all forms of terrorist attacks, asserting that terrorism, regardless of its cause or location, is a crime that cannot be justified. They denounced the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir last April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and left many injured.
The statement reiterated their commitment to combatting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border movement of terrorists, funding for terrorism, and providing safe havens for terrorists. They emphasized that terrorism should not be linked to any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group, and that those involved in terrorist activities and their supporters should be held accountable under the law. They advocated for a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to terrorism and rejected double standards.
The ministers stated that the primary responsibility for fighting terrorism lies with the countries themselves. Global action against terrorism should adhere to international law, the United Nations Charter, and the rules of human rights, refugee law, and humanitarian law.
They welcomed the work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five sub-groups, which operate based on BRICS’ anti-terrorism strategy, action plan, and position paper. They called for strengthening cooperation against terrorism.
The ministers demanded the swift finalization and implementation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the United Nations, and urged collective and stringent action against all terrorists and terrorist organizations as declared by the United Nations.