Seeks deterrent action against nations using terror as a political tool

Naming Pakistan-based terror groups LeT and JeM, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said some countries were using terror as a tool to achieve political objectives and pressed for “deterrent” action collectively by the G20 members against such nations.

Addressing the G20 summit in this German city, he equated the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohamamd, as also the Haqqani network to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, saying their names may be different but their ideology is the same.

With leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping listening, Mr. Modi regretted that the international response to terrorism was weak, and said more cooperation was needed to fight the menace.

The Prime Minister presented an 11-point ‘Action Agenda’ which included suggestions for exchange of lists of terrorists among G20 nations, easing and expediting of legal processes like extradition and concrete steps to choke funds and weapon supply to the terrorists.

Terror for political goals

“Some nations are using terrorism for achieving political goals,” Mr. Modi said in a clear reference to Pakistan.

At an informal meeting of BRICS leaders, Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi shook hands and had a conversation on a “range of issues.”

Mr. Modi said Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and the Haqqani network were active in South Asia like Daesh (IS) and al-Qaeda were in West Asia and Boko Haram in Nigeria. While LeT and JeM have been targeting India, the Haqqani network has been repeatedly carrying out attacks in Afghanistan, including on Indian assets there.

“Their only ideology is to spread hatred and commit massacres,” Mr. Modi said.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and other mechanisms to choke sources of funds to terrorists should be strengthened, he said.

On the pattern of FATF, an Explosives Action Task Force (EATF) should be constituted “so that the sources of deadly arms reaching the terrorists can be ended,” he added.

Later, in an address to BRICS leaders, Prime Minister Modi “appreciated” the momentum in the bloc under the Chinese chairmanship.

Extends full cooperation

He also extended full cooperation and best wishes to China for the next BRICS summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen later this year.

The Prime Minister said BRICS has been a strong voice and needs to show leadership in counter-terrorism and global economy, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Chinese official news agency Xinhua said Mr. Xi urged BRICS countries to push for “peaceful settlement” of regional conflicts and disputes and to consolidate the role of the G20 mechanism “as the premier platform for international economic cooperation.”