'No Place for Double Standards on Terrorism': Modi's Veiled Dig At China-Pakistan Bonhomie

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Closed Plenary Session of the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan on Wednesday, where he launched a veiled attack on China and Pakistan by emphasising that the world should be united to combat terrorism and terror laundering and that there is “no place for double standards” on the matter.

In his remarks, Modi asserted that India supported dialogue and diplomacy over war. “In order to counter terrorism and Terror financing, we need the single-minded, firm support of all. There is no place for double standards on this serious matter. We need to take active steps to stop radicalisation of youth in our countries. We must work together on the long pending matter in the UN of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism,” he added.

His remarks came as PM Modi is holding his first bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in five years, coming at a significant moment as both countries achieved a much-anticipated breakthrough to resolve the four-year-long military standoff at eastern Ladakh. The last bilateral meeting between the two leaders took place in 2019 in Chennai.

Why did PM Modi attack China and Pakistan?

PM Modi’s remarks assume immense significance as it has raised the issue of China providing tacit support to Pakistan-based terrorist organisations and blocking several proposals at the United Nations to designate terrorists based there. PM Modi has himself conveyed the message to Xi during multiple interactions since 2014.

PM Modi welcomed the new members – South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and United Arab Emirates – to the Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRICS) summit and appreciated Russian President Vladimir Putin for his successful leadership.

“India is ready to welcome new countries into BRICS as Partner Countries. In this regard all decisions should be taken by consensus, and the views of BRICS founding members should be respected,” the Indian PM said on Wednesday. He also emphasised a people-centric approach and boosting efforts for reforms of global institutions.

India makes pitch for ‘multipolar world’

India also made its pitch for a “multipolar world” with the first photo of an expanded BRICS, as Putin called for the creation of a new “order” to counter western dominance. Putin announced that more than 30 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS during his address at the plenary session of the summit at the Kazan Expo Center.

“Stronger and united together for an inclusive and a multipolar world. A historic moment for the BRICS as the leaders take the first photo of the expanded BRICS family at the XVI BRICS Summit,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.

On the first day of the BRICS summit, Modi held bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. With President Pezeshkian, Modi held fruitful discussions against the backdrop of the escalating conflict in the West Asia region. During the meeting with Putin, the Prime Minister congratulated him on Russia’s successful presidency of BRICS. He invited the Russian President to India for the 23rd Annual Summit next year.