United global action to combat terror: Narendra Modi

Condemns the dreadful acts of terrorism in Paris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the need for a united global effort to combat terrorism has never been “more urgent” in the wake of the deadly Paris attacks over which the world “stands united” in condemnation.

“We stand united in strongly condemning the dreadful acts of terrorism in Paris... The entire humanity must stand together as one against terrorism. The need for a united global effort to combat terrorism has never been more urgent,” Modi said at the meeting of the BRICS leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. India, which takes over the Chairmanship of BRICS from February 1, 2016, will accord priority to combating terrorism, he said.

In the worst ever terror attacks by ISIS in Paris, at least 129 people were killed and 352 injured, many in critical condition.

Combating terrorism, Modi said, “must also be a priority for BRICS nations.”

Besides Modi, BRICS meeting is being attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Jacob Zuma and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.

Modi said: "We express deepest sympathy and support to Russia for the loss of life in Sinai. Ankara and Beirut are also reminders of terror's growing spread and impact".

"The theme of India's BRICS Chairmanship will be 'Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions' which, in short, will be 'BRICS'. It aptly describes the ethos of our group," Modi said.

There was a time when the logic of BRICS and its lasting capacity were being questioned, but today BRICS can also give shape to G20, he added.

"We have provided proof of the relevance and value of BRICS through our actions. And, this has come at a time of huge global challenges," he said, adding that "together, we can also give shape to G20".

The New Development Bank, the Currency Reserve Arrangement, Strategy for BRICS Economic Cooperation - these are clear evidence of our vision and our resolve.

"India attaches the highest importance to BRICS. We are honoured to assume the Chairmanship of BRICS from February 1, 2016 and build on the great work done by other Members," he said.