Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 7: BJP National Spokesperson Tuhin Sinha has lauded the strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack by BRICS nations, calling it a “major diplomatic victory” for India. His remarks came after the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit, where member countries unanimously denounced the April 22 attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir.

Describing the BRICS statement as a milestone, Sinha said, “This is a significant achievement on the global stage. The declaration spans 31 pages with 126 paragraphs, and India is mentioned 10 times. The Pahalgam terror attack has been condemned in unambiguous terms. It’s a reflection of India’s growing global influence and the credibility of our counter-terrorism stance.”

The declaration, adopted in Brazil on Day 1 of the summit, strongly denounced terrorism as “criminal and unjustifiable,” regardless of motive or perpetrator. Paragraph 34 specifically addresses the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, reaffirming a collective commitment to tackling terrorism in all forms — including cross-border terrorism, financing, and safe havens.

Sinha noted that the BRICS declaration follows a similar response from the QUAD nations, suggesting growing international consensus on India’s anti-terrorism narrative. “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s voice is being heard and respected globally,” he said.

Responding to criticism from opposition parties, Sinha targeted the Congress, saying, “Those who questioned our diplomatic strength after 'Operation Sindoor' should introspect. The global consensus on Pahalgam is a result of consistent engagement and effective foreign policy.”

He also highlighted economic progress under the Modi government, referring to a recent World Bank report that named India as the world’s fourth most equal country in terms of income distribution. According to Sinha, the report shows that over 171 million people were lifted out of extreme poverty between 2011-12 and 2022-23, and that India now has a lower Gini Index than China, suggesting improved income equality.

“India’s poverty rate has dropped to about four per cent,” Sinha said. “This isn’t just about numbers — it’s the outcome of sustained and inclusive development policies. Schemes like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) have transformed public welfare delivery.”

He added that Rs 40 lakh crore has been transferred directly to the poor through DBT over the past decade, eliminating middlemen and reducing leakages. “This reform has ensured benefits reach the intended recipients — a revolutionary step in governance,” he said.

Sinha didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Congress party, specifically senior leader Jairam Ramesh, accusing them of spreading “propaganda” on poverty and inequality. “Despite clear evidence, if the Congress continues to claim that only two businessmen control India’s wealth and that poverty is rising, it’s just political posturing,” he said.

He urged the opposition to acknowledge ground realities. “Instead of misleading the public every morning, the Congress should reflect on facts and recognise the economic transformation happening across India,” Sinha concluded.