Swaraj calls on BRICS members to effectively deal terrorism

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Monday called on her BRICS counterparts to focus on their commitment to counter terrorism and form an effective and efficient UN Counter Terrorism framework.

Swaraj, who is attending the BRICS (Brazil, South Africa, India, China, and Russia) foreign ministers meeting, highlighted the association's National Security Advisory (NSA) mechanism in this regard and said, "It has consolidated our cooperation in counter-terrorism and security domain."

The EAM also mentioned the statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the previous BRICS summit where he had called for counterterrorism strategy for a joint action with a focus on money-laundering, terrorism financing and cyberspace.

The on-going BRICS ministerial meeting at Johannesburg coincides with the centenary birth anniversary of anti-apartheid revolutionary and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

Swaraj, while remembering global leaders, said, "Vision of our great leaders Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther will continue to guide us in our common endeavours."

She then went on to highlight the importance of Yoga and Ayurveda system as part of India's traditional medicine saying, this will "Make BRICS tourism endeavours more attractive."

Further, a new development bank and contingency reserves arrangements were recognised as flagship initiatives of BRICS.

Swaraj called for consolidation of their functioning and optimising their outcomes.

Sushma Swaraj, who is on a five-day visit to South Africa, will also chair the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Foreign Ministers Meeting.