France sanctions Azhar, says will try to get him banned by EU

In a strong show of support to India, France on Friday imposed financial sanctions on Pakistan-based Masood Azhar and said it will work with its European partners for putting the JeM chief's name on the EU list of persons and entities involved in terrorist acts.

The French announcement came two days after a bid, moved by it along with the US and the UK at the UN Security Council to designate the Jaish-e-Mohammed chief as a global terrorist, was blocked by China which put a technical hold. India was also a party to the proposal.

"A deadly attack took place in Pulwama on February 14, 2019, claiming over 40 victims from the Indian police forces. The JeM, which the United Nations has deemed to be a terrorist organisation since 2001, has claimed responsibility for this attack," said a joint statement by the French ministries of the interior, economy and finance, and foreign affairs.

"France has always been and always will be by India's side in the fight against terrorism," it said.

Reacting to the French decision, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We welcome the decision taken by France to sanction Masood Azhar, Chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based & UN proscribed terrorist organisation; and responsible for the Pulwama terrorist attack."