Terrorism is Pakistan's 'favourite child', says PM Modi

He was addressing the head of states of BRICS and BIMSTEC at the first-ever Outreach Summit

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Islamabad embraces and radiates the darkness of terrorism and terrorism has become its "favourite child."

Addressing the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit, Prime Minister Modi said that terrorism, radicalization and transnational crimes, pose grave threats to all the countries of the group.

"Geographical barriers and borders pose no limitations on those who wish to harm our societies. In South Asia and BIMSTEC, all nation states barring one are motivated to pursue a path of peace, development and economic prosperity for its people. Unfortunately, this country in India's neighbourhood embraces and radiates the darkness of terrorism," the Prime Minister said.

"Terrorism has become its favourite child and the child in turn has come to define the essential character and nature of its parents. The time for condemning the state sponsored terrorism is long gone," he added.

The Prime Minister called on the member states and the world community to stand up and act boldly against terrorism and those who nurture it.

"To those who nurture the philosophy of terror and seek to de-moralise mankind, we must send a clear message to mend their ways or be isolated in the civilized world," he said.

The Prime Minister also said that the BRICS and BIMSTEC have been shaped by different context.

"Together we represent almost two thirds of humanity. But we are joined by common vision and peace, stability and development. We are also united by similar challenges and concerns that shape our domestic choices and international partnership," he said.

"There are many economic opportunities. We have shared aspirations for growth, development, commerce and technology. Technology can bridge gaps and connect communities. It can also deliver services that make a difference in our daily lives. Environment and disaster management are areas where we can work together," he added.

The Prime Minister also asserted that the BIMSTEC region is prone to natural disasters.

"Environmental protection and disaster management are areas where BRICS- BIMSTEC partnership will benefit millions. We share equally in problems and solutions of interconnected world. A spirit of cooperation and collaboration between us can be a powerful change agent," he said.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an international organisation involving a group of countries in South Asia and South East Asia.

These countries are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.