Hold is not block, we are optimistic: India on Azhar

Undeterred by the recent setback at the UN Security Council (UNSC), India will continue pushing for the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the world body.

"India is disappointed with China. India is still working with members of the sanction committee. There is no bigger statement, half of UNSC co-sponsors proposal. Hold is not a block. India is optimistic," sources said on Saturday.

There has been mounting global pressure against Pakistan to dismantle all terror infrastructure on its soil following the Pulwama terror attack, which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.

Pakistan-based terror outfit, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack, which has seen the global community come together to support India in its fight against terrorism.

Towards this, USA, UK and France moved a proposal in the UNSC to list UN-proscribed group JeM's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. China, for the fourth time, used a technical hold on the proposal on March 13 - a move which has been widely slammed.

"Terrorism is non-negotiable for India. We have the strong support of 14 members (out of 15 at the UNSC). India will show patience...We are cautiously optimistic that Azhar will be listed," sources mentioned.

"China also knows that terrorism is a challenge. They know it operates from Pakistan," the sources said, adding, "There are certain issues China has to resolve with Pakistan."

"India will show patience," the sources reinforced.

"Pakistan is spending diplomatic capital in defending indefensible. Pakistan's action is cosmetic," sources added.

Speaking on the United States' support for India, the sources said: "The USA is supportive of India. They have assured that Pakistan will take action. India also raised concerns with the United States on the arms used of which the USA took note. The US also appreciates India for sharing its position in real time. There are no takers in the US for Pakistan's narrative that India is posing a threat.