Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just 'convenience': PM Modi at Brics Summit - Top quotes

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday told fellow Brics leaders that terrorism remains the "most serious challenge" to humanity and must be condemned universally, not selectively. Speaking at the 17th Brics Summit’s Peace and Security session, PM Modi said the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir was a blow not only to India but to all of humanity.

Without naming any country, PM Modi stressed that there should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists and that victims and supporters of terrorism “cannot be weighed on the same scale.” He added that if the world assesses terror incidents based on where or against whom they occur, it would be a betrayal of humanity.

There must be absolutely no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. We cannot weigh victims of terrorism and its supporters on the same scale. Any silent support or approval to terrorism for personal or political interests must be unacceptable.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025

Top quotes from PM Modi's speech at Brics summit:

• "Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only to India but to the entire humanity. In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences."
• "Global institutions established in the 20th century have not provided adequate voice to two-thirds of humanity. Nations contributing significantly to the world economy don’t even have a seat on key decision making tables. Without the Global South, global institutions are like a mobile phone that may have a SIM but no network."
• "In this era of AI, where technology updates on a weekly basis, it is unacceptable that global institutions haven’t undergone an update even once in eighty years. 21st-century software can’t run on a 20th-century typewriter!"
• "The expansion of Brics clearly shows that Brics is an organisation capable of changing itself with the times. Now, we need to show the same resolve for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO, and multilateral development banks."
• "For global peace and prosperity, Brics nations must adopt a clear and unified stance on overcoming terrorism. On a subject like terrorism, there is no room for double standards! If any country provides direct or indirect support to terrorism, it must pay the price for it."
• "There must be absolutely no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. We cannot weigh victims of terrorism and its supporters on the same scale. Any silent support or approval to terrorism for personal or political interests must be unacceptable."
• "India, being the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha, believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the best option for the welfare of humanity. And, India will do everything possible in this direction."
• "From West Asia to Europe, today the world is surrounded by disputes and tensions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a cause of great concern. India firmly believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the only option for the welfare of humanity."