JK News Today Commentary
A simple reading of statement of outcomes of BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting held in Delhi- May 14-15
, 2026 is essentially a read out of the shared concerns and visions of the groupings, but what is more significant is their statement on the state of terrorism with a specific reference to the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir of April 22, 2025 , during which 26 people were killed and many more injured. It immediately takes the people of Jammu and Kashmir to horrific terrorist act in Baisaran meadow , near Pahalgam in April last year.
There was identical statement in FMs meeting of the grouping in Rio De Janeiro September last year. This time, it is much more significant in meaning despite the identical language used in last year’s statement; the grouping remains committed to its view of the acts of terror and the counter-terrorism measures that were undertaken to avenge the Pahalgam attack. This reiteration is an endorsement of the Indian view on terrorism and the way it thinks it should be curbed . Sometimes, reiteration is more important than the original versions of statements condemning the acts of horrific tragedies .
What is the difference between 2025 and 2026 statements on the terror attack. In both the statements, the exact place of the terror attack is missing , though April 22, 2025 and Jammu and Kashmir leave no one in doubt that what the leadership is referring to – Pahalgam . This tourist destination of world class attention , nestled south of the Kashmir Valley , was propelled to the international headlines because of the attack carried out by terrorists whose origin and birth were traced to Pakistan . India has suffered a great deal from the regular terror attacks conceived in Pakistan and executed by terrorists trained on its soil in J&K..
Much has happened in the world since April 22, 2025 , but what has not changed is the lethal intent of Pakistan
Two important factors are at the heart of this discourse : Pakistan is yet to learn its lessons after having been censured for its terror-export enterprise , and therefore it is being reminded time and again that it should stop all these ventures which it considers as its strategic assets , and that India’s counter-terrorism operation Sindoor was legitimate action against the terror bases in Pakistan.
As the text of the joint outcomes of the statement : “ The ministers expressed their strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation ., whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed, “ it made it clear that the world will not be co0nvinced by any explanation offered to justify the acts of terror. In this context, it is a making a point that Pahalgam and other terror attacks committed in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India are not justifiable in any sense of the word .
The mention of Jammu and Kashmir is important because Pakistan has been trying to drive home a point to the international community that the “ People of Jammu and Kashmir were fighting for their right to self-determination under the UN resolutions , and Pakistan was offering only,” political, diplomatic and moral support to this struggle of the people of J&K”. This is complete travesty of the fact and history. But the bigger question that it begets is , how can support to the acts of terror be moral. This particular statement is clear rejection of Pakistan’s version of the reasons behind more than three-decade old terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. It exposes Pakistan’s game on Kashmir and the narratives it pushes through.
The statement was loud and clear when the ministers “ reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens.”
“ They reiterated that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international law. They urged to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and rejected double standards in countering terrorism.”
The Ministers also emphasized the importance of countering extremism and radicalization specially among the younger generations, and further stressed the need to enhance cooperation among the BRICS Countries and their competent authorities, including through sharing best practices.
This is a billion dollar statement against terrorism and their sources across the border. That is where reference to April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan sponsored terrorists become more important in 2026.
