Double standards on terror dangerous, says Swaraj

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Seeking strong global action against terror networks, India on Monday warned the international community that if it continues to adopt “double standards” in dealing with the menace there would 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.

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Swaraj's remarks came after she raised with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, before the trilateral, the issue of China blocking India's bid at the UN to have Jaish-e-Mohammad chief and alleged Pathankot terror attack mastermind Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist.

“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.

“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.

Regarding swaraj’s meeting with her Chinese counterpart, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the minister emphasised that as common victims of terrorism, China and India should cooperate in combating the challenge posed by terrorism. It was agreed that the two sides would remain in touch on this matter.