Hosting several world leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today slammed Pakistan as “mothership” of global terrorism and said the menace has become its “favourite child” against which decisive action should be taken as the time for condemning state-sponsored terrorism is “long gone”.
Addressing the BRICS and BIMSTEC Summits here, he said Pakistan “embraces and radiates” the darkness of terrorism and pressed for “comprehensive” and “collective” action against the menace and its supporters, warning that any selective approach will be “counter-productive”.
At the BRICS Summit here attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of other member countries, Modi lambasted Pakistan without naming it, saying it not only shelters terrorists but also “nurtures a mindset” that “loudly proclaims that terrorism is justified for political gains”.
He also appeared to be sending out a message to the Chinese President whose country has blocked designation of Pak-based terror group JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN as he said that those supporting terrorism have to be “punished, not rewarded”.
Asking the BRICS nations, which also include Brazil and South Africa, to act together against the threat posed by terrorism, Modi said response to terrorism must be nothing less than comprehensive and that countries must act both “individually and collectively”.
“In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development. Tragically its mothership is a country in India’s neighbourhood. Terror modules around the world are linked to this mothership. This country shelters not just terrorists. It nurtures a mindset. A mindset that loudly proclaims that terrorism is justified for political gains.
“It is a mindset that we strongly condemn. And, against which we as BRICS need to stand and act together. BRICS must speak in one voice against this threat,” he said at the Summit also attended by Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma.
Underlining that “Criminality should be the only basis for punitive action against the individuals and organizations responsible for carrying out terrorist acts”, the Prime Minister said “Terrorist funding, their weapons supply, training and political support must be systematically cut off.”
He pressed for early adoption of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism saying doing so will be an expression of “our resolve” to fight the menace.
Later, addressing the BIMSTEC Summit, Modi underlined that geographical barriers and borders pose no limitations on those who wish to harm societies.
While slamming Pakistan, he said, “terrorism has become its favorite child. And, the child in turn has come to define the fundamental character and nature of its parent.”
Pressing for action, he said, “The time for condemning the state-sponsored terrorism is long gone. It is time to stand up and act, and act decisively. It is, therefore, imperative for BRICS and BIMSTEC to create a comprehensive response to secure our societies against the perpetrators of terror.”
Appealing to the leaders of BRICS and BIMSTEC, Modi said everyone present should send a “clear message” to those who nurture the philosophy of terror and seek to de-humanize the mankind, “to mend their ways or be isolated in the civilized world”.
PTI