The BRICS grouping, now expanded to 11 member states, delivered a strong message at its Rio Summit — one that carried major implications for India, global geopolitics, and the evolving world order. Two of the most significant outcomes for India were BRICS' sharp condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack and its clearest call yet for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). BRICS Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack In a unified declaration, BRICS stated: "We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens." The bloc also reiterated the need for the "expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework." India, which has long pushed for a global consensus against cross-border terrorism and safe havens — often referencing Pakistan's role — saw its priorities reflected in the declaration's language. Government officials noted that the Rio Summit featured the "strongest-ever language" from BRICS in support of overhauling the Security Council, advocating for a body that is "more democratic, representative, effective and efficient," and one that better reflects the voices of developing nations. China, Russia Back India's Bid For Bigger UN Role In a noteworthy development, China and Russia — both permanent UNSC members — endorsed Brazil and India’s aspiration for greater roles "in the United Nations, including its Security Council". This marked a shift from previous BRICS language, with the Rio Declaration going further than the 2022 Beijing Declaration, which had stopped short of naming the UNSC. Beyond India-specific concerns, the declaration tackled wider geopolitical flashpoints. On Iran, BRICS condemned recent military strikes since June 13 and raised alarms over “deliberate” targeting of “peaceful” nuclear facilities that are under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. While Israel was not named directly — a deliberate omission mirroring earlier BRICS language — the tone was significantly stronger than past statements. BRICS Condemns 'Continuous Israeli Attacks' On Gaza The Israel-Palestine conflict also drew focused attention. The declaration expressed grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, attributing it to "continuous Israeli attacks". It highlighted the need for compliance with international law and affirmed that Gaza is "an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory". The document also demanded the "full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip" and called for "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" negotiations. One of the most striking points was the reference to the "use of starvation as a method of warfare," an allegation that Israel has strongly denied. This was not India's first endorsement of such positions within BRICS forums. Similar sentiments were echoed at the BRICS foreign ministers' meet in June last year and again at the Kazan summit, where the grouping condemned attacks on humanitarian operations in Gaza. BRICS Flags Tariff Tactics On the economic front, the Rio Declaration criticised protectionist trade practices. It voiced "serious concerns" about rising unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that disrupt global trade and violate WTO norms. While the United States was not explicitly named — due to sensitivities among some members — the implication was evident. The declaration warned that "unilateral coercive measures" and economic sanctions are "contrary to international law" and can have "far-reaching negative implications". (With inputs from agencies)