Modi’s BRICS setback: Pahalgam attack and the failure to blame Pakistan
Humayun Aziz Sandeela
When gunmen attacked tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025 killing 26 and wounding many more, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to revive his government’s familiar rhetoric: cross-border terrorism, external support, and veiled references to Pakistan. But the international response—particularly from BRICS, a bloc India co-founded—has exposed the limitations of Modi’s diplomacy and the growing fatigue among global powers toward India’s blame-Pakistan playbook.
Despite India’s efforts, the final communiqué issued at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 07, 2025 condemned terrorism in broad terms without mentioning Pakistan. The joint statement reaffirmed BRICS’ “commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” including cross-border terrorism and financing, but offered no support for India’s narrative. Former Indian diplomat Manju Seth acknowledged the diplomatic failure, saying: “Something more was required… Pakistan was not named, as you all well know.”
This silence is not new. A similar pattern has emerged at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the Quad—all forums where India sought to internationalize its narrative and isolate Pakistan. Modi’s attempt to use the BRICS platform to secure a clear indictment of Pakistan has once again fallen flat.
Indian opposition leaders didn’t mince their words. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera questioned the very relevance of Modi’s participation in such summits. “The President of Russia and China didn’t attend BRICS this year… What is PM Modi getting in return? Is he attending such summits just for social media? What did the country gain after such a tragic attack in Pahalgam?”
On PM Modi attending BRICS Summit in Brazil.
Congress leader @Pawankhera says,”When we need support on the international forum after the Pahalgam attack and on ‘Operation Sindoor,’ not a single country stands with us. Neither China nor Russia attended the recent BRICS summit,… pic.twitter.com/RlfIeC8FsN
— Asma (@asmatasleem13) July 7, 2025
India’s diplomatic isolation on this issue comes at a time when Pakistan has made considerable efforts to demonstrate that it too is a victim of terrorism. During the SCO Foreign Ministers Summit held earlier this year, Pakistan presented concrete evidence of terrorist attacks orchestrated from across its borders, pointing to its own human and economic losses in the fight against terrorism. The Pakistani narrative emphasized a shared regional responsibility, rather than finger-pointing, and was taken seriously by the multilateral forum.
Moreover, the BRICS declaration notably shifted its sharpest focus toward other global flashpoints—such as Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and attacks on Iranian infrastructure—while India, for the first time, signed on to a strongly worded condemnation of Israeli actions. Ironically, on issues where it previously exercised caution, India joined global consensus, but when it came to an issue close to home, its demands were diplomatically side-stepped.
This diplomatic snub is more than symbolic. It underscores the growing reluctance of the international community to buy into unilateral accusations unsupported by evidence. India’s repeated attempts to link every domestic or regional act of violence to Pakistan, without credible proof, have eroded its narrative’s credibility. It also shows that the world, fatigued by propaganda and wary of great-power politics, prefers evidence-based, nuanced responses to complex regional issues.
Pakistan, meanwhile, continues to urge the international community to adopt a more balanced approach. It has consistently reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, while demanding that its sovereignty not be undermined by unfounded allegations. The fact that BRICS chose to name neither Pakistan nor any other country, while reaffirming that “terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group,” shows a maturing global discourse—one that refuses to indulge in scapegoating.
As India prepares to host the next BRICS summit in 2026, Modi’s foreign policy will be under increased scrutiny. If India wishes to be taken seriously as a responsible global power, it must recalibrate its approach—from blaming to building coalitions based on shared interests and mutual respect.
Until then, the silence in Rio speaks louder than Modi’s speeches.
