Pak-based terror groups named in BRICS declaration for first time

In a big diplomatic victory for India, a declaration issued by the BRICS countries in Xiamen in China has named Pakistan-based terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. This is the first time that the five BRICS nations united together in condemning and finding ways to eliminate terror. 

The declaration which is adopted by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa names terror outfits like Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb-ut-Tahrir. 

The declaration says, "We strongly condemn terrorist attacks resulting in death to innocent Afghan nationals. We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir." 

Although Pakistan has not been directly named in the BRICS declaration, but the statement makes strong references on the need for acting against terror. 

"We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries. Recalling the primary leading role and responsibility of states in preventing and countering terrorism, we stress the necessity to develop international cooperation," it says. 

China has been stonewalling Pakistan for a long time now. China also has been repeatedly blocking efforts by India at the United Nations to designate the Jaish e Mohd Chief, Masood Azhar, a terrorist. 

The declaration also condemned the nuclear tests conducted by North Korea. 

“We strongly deplore the nuclear test conducted by DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea),” says BRICS Leaders’ Xiamen Declaration. 

Earlier, Modi, in his plenary session address, emphasized the need for cooperation among the BRICS member nations for peace and development. "Cooperation is important for peace and development," he said. 

Meanwhile, ahead of India-China bilateral talks, both the countries have decided to bury the Doklam standoff issue. Both the nations have decided to not raise the issue at any level and start afresh with big bilateral in Xiamen. Both the countries believe that India and China have rich historical and cultural linkages which should translate into positive bilateral diplomatic ties. 

Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral talks on Tuesday. This would be the first meeting after the Doklam trijunction standoff.