Cross-border terrorism is not statecraft but terrorism in another form: Foreign minister

Nur-Sultan: Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that cross-border terrorism is not statecraft, but another form of terrorism and the international community should unite against it seriously as it does against climate change and the covid pandemic, PTI reported.

On Tuesday, while addressing the 6th meeting of the foreign ministers of the Conference of Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), he also said that connectivity must respect the basic principle of international relations, such as respect for dignity and territorial integrity. With the mention of cross border terrorism, he took an indirect dig at Pakistan, and he expressed India's objection to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with his second statement. India has protested CPEC as it is planned through Pak occupied Kashmir.

Jaisankar sadi that if peace and development is our common goal, the biggest enemy we must overcome is terrorism. The use of terrorism by one state over another cannot be tolerated. Extremism, radicalisation, violence and bigotry to advance interests is very short-sighted and that ould come back to haunt those who nurture them, he said.

Lack of stability could destroy Asia's collective efforts against the pandemic, and thus conditions in Afghanistan are of grave concern, he said. In a tweet, he said that CICA's voice could play a positive role in shaping the global response towards the developments in Afghanistan.

Jaisankar said that the promotion of economic and social activity is intrinsic to progress and prosperity. Asia, particularly, suffers from inadequate connectivity. But, connectivity building should be pis articipative and consensual, based on financial viability and local ownership. It must not serve other agendas, he said.

Jaishankar then emphasised the forum's relevance in addressing contemporary world challenges, including pandemics and protection of global commons. He said that climate change along with pandemics requires genuine international collaboration. The world must adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, he said.

Post-pandemic, the world requires resilient and reliable supply chains, engines for economic growth, and greater trust and transparency, he said. According to him, the CICA could make notable contributions to these, enhancing security and sustainable development in Asia.

He said that India has always seen the world as a family from the concept of 'VasudhaivaKutumbakam". India believes in meeting challenges and finding solutions together, which was evident during the pandemic when India provided vaccines, medicines and medical supplies, as well as expertise to more than 150 nations, he said. He stressed the need for reformed multilateralism, signalling India's need to be included in the decision-making structure of the United Nations.

Jaishankar appreciated Kazakhstan's initiative in consolidating the CICA and underscored its relevance in addressing terrorism, pandemics and protection of global commons.