The Goa Declaration of the BRICS Summit held on October 16 and 17, 2016 states “we strongly condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations” and stressed “there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial ethnic or any other reasons” and agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating international terrorism both at bilateral and at international fora. The signatories to this declaration are the 5 members, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The Goa Declaration has asked all nations to work together to expedite the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN General Assembly without any further delay.
However, quite surprisingly at the Goa Declaration, China blocked India’s attempts to name Jaish e Mohammed and Laskar e Toiba wherein the BRICS member states pledged to relentlessly pursue terrorist groups designated by UNSC but what has surprised the Government of India is Russia’s disinclination to argue India’s case. Russia’s recent military flirting with Pakistan in the form of anti terror exercises on the soil of Pakistan is yet another reason. The fact is in today’s world Russia needs China more than the other in current positioning of global power. The result was a declaration which failed to address India’s core concern or the issue of state sponsored terrorism naming Pakistan as other BRICS states felt other nations are not affected by such acts. The Goa Declaration, however, adopted Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) which will soon be presented to the United Nations Security Council to be discussed and ratified by a majority of 196 nations under its umbrella. In the light of recent terror strikes in France, Turkey and Germany where innocent people have been victims it is expected the United Nations Security Council will take positive steps to tackle the menace of terrorism. The UN should ask the government of the concerned country to dismantle the terror outfits from its soil or face actions like sanctions.
Besides BRICS Summit there are Summits of G7 and G20 which are held annually. The leaders of G7 and G20 should overwhelmingly support the Goa Declaration. Perhaps the Goa Declaration may be a step forward in the direction of eliminating Terrorism or International Terrorism.
