Sanjha Morcha

RIC SUMMIT Flip-flop on terror dangerous: India

Sushma talks tough with China on the need to curb global menance

Flip-flop on terror dangerous: India
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with Chinese and Russian counterparts Wang Yi (L) and Sergei Lavrov, respectively, at RIC Summit in Moscow on Monday. REUTERS

Moscow, April 18

Seeking strong global action against terror networks, India today warned the international community that if it continues to adopt “double standards” in dealing with the menace there will be “serious consequences”.In her address at the Foreign Ministers meeting of RIC (Russia-India-China), External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the grouping must lead the world in fighting terrorism.“India believes that the foremost challenge to international security continues to be posed by international terrorism. The RIC countries must lead the way in getting the international community together to counter terrorism through joint action, including at the UN,” Swaraj said.“We must not fail in this regard. If we continue to adopt double standards in dealing with terrorism it will have serious consequences not just for our own countries, but the international community as a whole,” she said.Her remarks come in the backdrop of China stopping UN sanctions committee from designating JeM chief Masood Azhar as terrorist, maintaining that the case “did not meet the requirements” of the Security Council.Talking about the UN Security Council reform, she said a greater urgency was required on the issue and sought support of Russia and China.“Let me also touch upon the issue of reform of UN Security Council, on which there has been some positive movement with a text being put for the first time on the table for inter-governmental negotiations. However, we need greater urgency on this issue. I seek the support of my Chinese and Russian colleagues for taking the IGN process forward,” she said.The External Affairs Minister said the slowdown of the global economy had created its own set of issues for economies of all three countries and they must join hands in spurring growth.“As three large, emerging economies, we share similar approaches and could benefit from coordinating our positions,” Swaraj said.On BRICS, Swaraj said it was an important framework to boost economic growth. “We look forward to active participation of all members in the meetings of BRICS during our presidency this year. We hope to have a successful BRICS Summit in Goa in October,” Swaraj said.“Let me end by re-emphasising the importance of RIC for consultations on regional and global issues of common concern. I look forward to our consultations today,” she said.Swaraj said RIC provided a good opportunity to three countries to exchange views on how to jointly contribute to international peace, security and development. — PTI 

Azhar issue raised

  • New Delhi: Sushma Swaraj on Monday raised with China the issue of it blocking India’s move at the UN to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief and Pathankot terror attacks mastermind Masood Azhar designated as an international terrorist. Swaraj met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the RIC Summit in Moscow. In Beijing, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar also conveyed India’s reservations to the Chinese leaders over its stand on Azhar. “We expressed what happened in the UN is not in the right direction and they have to take a common line on terrorism,” he said. tns & agencies