Brazil, S. Africa Join India in Seeking Action Against Pak Terror Groups

The recent collaboration between India, Brazil, and South Africa in addressing terrorism, particularly targeting Pakistan-based groups, marks a significant diplomatic development. This initiative was highlighted during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held in New York, where the foreign ministers of these three nations issued a joint statement condemning terrorism and advocating for concerted international action against designated terrorist organizations such as Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

Context of the IBSA Meeting

The meeting took place on September 26, 2024, as part of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum, which was established in 2003 to foster cooperation among these major democracies of the Global South. The foreign ministers—India’s S. Jaishankar, Brazil’s Mauro Vieira, and South Africa’s Ronald Lamola—emphasized the need for a unified approach to combat terrorism and eliminate safe havens for terrorists globally.

Key Highlights from the Joint Statement

1. Condemnation of Terrorism: The ministers condemned terrorism in all its forms and reiterated that it is a global scourge that must be confronted vigorously. They specifically called out the necessity to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent cross-border movements of terrorists.
2. Focus on Pakistan-Based Groups: In their statement, they underscored the urgency of addressing threats posed by UN-listed terrorist organizations based in Pakistan, namely LeT and JeM. This direct reference indicates a strategic alignment among these nations regarding regional security concerns.
3. Call for International Cooperation: The ministers urged for the establishment of a comprehensive international counter-terrorism framework that adheres to international law and supports the United Nations’ central role in coordinating global counter-terrorism efforts.
4. Avoiding Double Standards: While not explicitly naming any countries, they highlighted the need to avoid double standards in how terrorist activities are addressed within international frameworks, implicitly critiquing certain nations’ selective responses to terrorism.
5. Reform of Global Governance: The joint statement also touched upon broader issues such as reforming global governance structures, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to better represent developing nations’ interests in global decision-making processes.

Implications for Pakistan

This joint stance by India, Brazil, and South Africa represents a diplomatic setback for Pakistan, which has been seeking greater recognition and inclusion in international forums like BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa). The firm condemnation of its support for terrorist groups by two other BRICS members could complicate Pakistan’s aspirations for deeper integration into such alliances

.Moreover, this collaboration signals a growing consensus among key players in the Global South about the need for proactive measures against terrorism emanating from specific regions, potentially reshaping diplomatic relations and security policies moving forward.

Conclusion

The alignment between India, Brazil, and South Africa on counter-terrorism reflects a significant shift in international diplomacy regarding security threats posed by specific terrorist organizations. As these nations work together to promote stability and uphold international law, their efforts could pave the way for more robust frameworks aimed at combating terrorism globally. This initiative not only strengthens their bilateral ties but also enhances their collective bargaining power on international platforms.