Jaishankar equates menace of terrorism with climate change and pandemic

Addressing the 6th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Conference of Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar said, "if peace and development is our common goal, the biggest enemy we must overcome is terrorism. In this day and age, we cannot countenance its use by one state against another".

New Delhi:India on Tuesday called on the international community to unite against the menace of terrorism, as it does on issues like climate change and pandemics.

Addressing the 6th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Conference of Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar said, "if peace and development is our common goal, the biggest enemy we must overcome is terrorism. In this day and age, we cannot countenance its use by one state against another".

"Cross-border terrorism is not statecraft; it is simply another form of terrorism. The international community must unite against this menace, as seriously as it does on issues like climate change and pandemics," he said.

He noted that any calculation that extremism, radicalisation, violence and bigotry can be used to advance interests is a very short-sighted one while adding that such forces will come back to haunt those who nurture them.

"Lack of stability will also undermine our collective efforts to get Covid under control. The situation in Afghanistan is, therefore, of grave concern," EAM told at the global fora.

Jaishankar said that the voice of the CICA can play a positive role in shaping the global response towards the developments in Afghanistan. "Highlighted that Afghanistan developments have generated understandable concern. Voice of CICA can be a positive factor in shaping a global response," he tweeted.

"We have always seen the world as a family, expressed in the concept of ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam’. Naturally, this applies in even greater measure to Asia. Our belief is expressed in a variety of ways, including in meeting challenges and finding solutions together. This was clearly in evidence during the Covid pandemic when we provided vaccines, medicines and medical supplies, as well as expertise to more than 150 nations," he reiterated.

In his speech, Jaishankar said, "The promotion of economic and social activity is intrinsic to progress and prosperity. Asia, in particular, suffers from a deficit of connectivity which is so essential for that purpose"

As we build these modern arteries of commerce, the most basic principles of international relations must be observed. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations rank foremost among them.

It is also important that connectivity building is a participative and consensual exercise, based on financial viability and local ownership. They must not serve other agendas, he pointed out.

The members of the UN have quadrupled since then. Asia especially, but also Africa and Latin America, are inadequately represented in its decision-making. The limitations of the multilateral response to the Covid pandemic were starkly evident. This only makes a case for reformed multilateralism more urgent with each passing day.

The external affairs minister further noted that even as the world seeks to overcome the pandemic, there are equally pressing challenges it must address. Climate action ranks high among them.

"In many ways, the mindset required is similar if we are to decisively forge ahead. Both pandemic and climate change require genuine and sincere international collaboration. They must ensure accessibility and affordability, especially to the most vulnerable. And they are a call for us all to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle," he added.

Jaishankar suggested that the post-pandemic world requires resilient and reliable supply chains.

He said that it encourages additional engines of economic growth. It also puts a premium on greater trust and transparency, while adding that CICA can make a notable contribution to all these endeavours that will enhance security and sustainable development in Asia.

EAM Jaishankar who is on a three-nation tour to Central Asian countries, on Monday arrived in Kazakhstan from Kyrgyzstan to discuss regional and global issues including the situation in Afghanistan and also to bolster ties with these countries.