No double standards in global terror fight

 

“No double standards in global terror fight”: Narendra Modi at IBSA Summit

By: Vijesh Nair

Date: 24/11/2025

In a pointed address at the IBSA Dialogue Forum Leaders’ Meeting held on the sidelines of the G20 Summit 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that there can be no place for double standards in the global fight against terrorism. The Hans India+2India+2

Key Take-aways

• Modi called for close coordination between the three IBSA countries — India, Brazil and South Africa — in counter-terrorism efforts, saying unified action is essential. The Hans India+1

• He stated that reform of global governance structures like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is no longer an option but a necessity, pointing to outdated institutional frameworks. The Economic Times+1

• The message was clear: terrorism threatens not just individual nations, but shared democratic values and global peace — thus selective responses or bias weaken the collective fight. The New Indian Express+1

Why this matters

1. Multilateral symbolism: By leveraging IBSA — a grouping of three large democracies from three continents — the message underscores that terrorism is a global scourge needing cross‐regional commitment.

2. Institutional critique: Modi’s remarks reflect India’s long-standing concern that global institutions like the UNSC do not reflect current geopolitical realities, especially in the Global South.

3. Security & development nexus: The address links security (counter-terrorism) with broader themes of stability, connectivity and opportunity — elements Modi views as inter-linked with development. Business Standard+1

4. Clear normative stance: Zero tolerance and zero double standards in terrorism-response sends a warning to state-sponsors, extremist networks and any actor seeking to exploit gaps or inconsistencies in global policy.

Context & background

• The IBSA Dialogue Forum brings together India, Brazil and South Africa — three major democracies from Asia, Latin America and Africa respectively. The Hans India

• The backdrop of this statement includes recent terrorist attacks and regional tensions where India has consistently emphasised that selective application of counter-terror norms undermines legitimacy. The New Indian Express+1

• The push for UNSC reform has been a recurring theme in India’s foreign policy, now tied to the argument that an outdated architecture hampers effective collective action. The Economic Times+1

Take-away for readers

• Global cooperation is more than rhetorical: real results demand harmonised intelligence‐sharing, cutting off terror financing, and consistent enforcement across jurisdictions.

• Democracies in the Global South are increasingly demanding their voice in shaping norms around security and development.

• The fight against terrorism isn't just a military or law-enforcement issue — it’s a moral and institutional challenge. Without consistent application, credibility erodes.

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Implications for India & the world

• For India, this statement reinforces its positioning as a credible voice in global security, advocating for reform and fairness.

• For global institutions, the call may add pressure to revisit how counter-terrorism frameworks operate, especially around accountability and inclusivity.

• For other countries in IBSA and beyond, the message is an invitation to step up, align cooperation and avoid selective responses.