Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pitched for a united fight against terrorism, without any discrimination between the sponsors, or groups or targeted nations in a clear message to China which recently blocked an Indian proposal at the United Nations for action against Pakistan over the release of 26/11 mastermind Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi.
“Peace and stability is the foundation for social and economic progress. It is our responsibility that we deal effectively with the current challenge of terrorism,” Modi said, addressing the Summit of Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa.
With Chinese President Xi Jinping listening, he said: “We must unitedly fight against it (terrorism), without any discrimination between groups, or countries, sponsors or targeted countries.
“We must do this in BRICS as well as UN Security Council and in other groups of nations.”
The remarks assume significance after China blocked India’s proposal in a meeting of the UN Sanctions Committee last month seeking action against Pakistan for release of Lashkar-e-Tayiba operations commander Lakhvi in the 26/11 trial in violation of a UN resolution.
China, Pakistan’s all weather friend, cited lack of sufficient information provided by India.
Modi, during a meeting with Xi on Wednesday evening, voiced concern over this development, amid rejection by the Indian side of the “weak evidence” pretext presented by China.
“Everyone should follow international rules and norms,” the PM said at the BRICS meet which was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and South African President Jacob Zuma besides Xi.
The PM also pitched for urgent UN reforms to make it relevant to the present world realities.
“If UN has to be relevant in the 21st century, it needs to be reformed... Any type of social, economic and challenges can be met only by reforming the UNSC at the earliest,” he said.
Referring to the upcoming UN-led Climate Change Summit to be held in France, he said the world body should take some solid decisions on meeting this challenge in its 75th anniversary year.
With regard to BRICS, Modi said that it is an “important pillar” in the world of challenges.
He said the global challenges can be met through consensus, collaboration and cooperation, particularly among the BRICS nations, which are the major emerging economies.
Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the BRICS summit. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr
