The international community must never compromise with the evil of terrorism: EAM Jaishankar at the UNSC

Addressing the high-level meeting of the UN Security Council on threats to international peace and security by terrorist acts, EAM S Jaishankar said India recognises that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, adding that the international community must never compromise with the evil of terrorism.

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday said that what is true of Covid is even more true of terrorism and that none of us is safe until all of us are safe. Addressing the high-level meeting of the UN Security Council on threats to international peace and security by terrorist acts, Jaishankar said India recognises that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, adding that the international community must never compromise with the evil of terrorism.

India is holding the presidency of the UN Security Council for August and has managed to host key discussions on maritime coordination and security and peacekeeping operations, counter-terrorism among other key issues. He further reiterated that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must be condemned. There cannot be any justification, regardless of motivations, he asserted.

He further pointed out that India is in full support of counter-terrorism cooperation under the auspices of the UN. "It also important therefore to end the stalemate preventing the adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which India has championed for so long", he added. Taking a jibe at Pakistan, Jaishankar said, "When we see state hospitality extended to those with innocents' blood on their hands, we should call out their double-speak."

"In our immediate neighbourhood, ISIL-Khorasan (ISIL-K) has become more energetic and is constantly seeking to expand its footprint. Events unfolding in Afghanistan have naturally enhanced global concerns about their implications for both regional and international security", Jaishankar told the council. He further stated that increased activities of proscribed Haqqani Network justify this growing anxiety. Whether it's Afghanistan or India, LeT & JeM continue to operate with both impunity and encouragement.

Remembering the dreaded attacks carried out by some of the known terrorist organisations against India, Jaishankar said, "We, in India, have had more than our fair share of challenges and casualties. 2008 Mumbai attack, 2016 Pathankot Airbase attack, 2019 suicide bombing of our policemen at Pulwama. We must never compromise with this evil". The world will be observing the 4th International Day of Remembrance & Tribute to Victims of Terrorism the day after tomorrow. Next month will also be 20 years of the 9/11 tragedy in New York.

Jaishankar said that however, despite the progress the international community have made to tighten the legal, security, financing and other frameworks to combat terrorism, terrorists are constantly finding newer ways of motivating, resourcing and executing acts of terrorism. Therefore, we urge the council to not take a selective view of the problems the world face.

The radicalisation of vulnerable youth by systematic online propaganda campaigns remains a serious concern, Jaishankar said, referring to terror recruitment. He added, "ISIS' financial resource mobilisation has become more robust. Rewards for killings are now even being paid in Bitcoins.