Mufti Welcomes BRICS Condemnation of Pahalgam Attack, Questions Selective Outrage

As world leaders gathered in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, a voice from Jammu and Kashmir cut through the diplomatic chatter with a message that resonated far beyond conference halls. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the bloc's condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack—but she wasn't about to stop there.

A Question of Consistency

Mufti's appreciation came with a sharp edge of critique. Why, she asked, did the collective statement not demonstrate equal courage in addressing the devastation in Gaza and US-Israeli military action against Iran? The former chief minister argued that India, as BRICS chair, had missed a crucial leadership opportunity.

"India, as the chair of BRICS, should also have demonstrated courage and true leadership by ensuring that the collective statement unequivocally addressed the devastation in Gaza and the US-Israeli military action against Iran," Ms. Mufti said.

The Universal Value of Human Life

Her central argument struck at the heart of international diplomacy: suffering cannot be viewed through different moral or political lenses based on geography. "The same standard must apply to every human life," she insisted, noting that the credibility of multilateral institutions depends on upholding this principle without fear or favor.

Mufti's words carried the weight of someone who has seen violence up close. She made clear that terrorism cannot be condemned selectively—that civilian blood has no nationality, and international justice cannot have double standards. The principle of protecting civilians, she argued, must remain universal regardless of victims' nationality, religion, or geopolitical alignment.

Beyond Humanitarian Aid

While welcoming BRICS's call for humanitarian assistance to Gaza, Mufti emphasized that relief alone cannot substitute for accountability and an end to violence. She saw India's leadership of BRICS as an important opportunity to strengthen the voice of the Global South by advocating for a consistent, rules-based international order.

Her final words lingered like a challenge in the air: "India should lead by example. If civilian blood has no nationality, then justice cannot have double standards either."