Countering terror: All nations must come together against groups targeting civilians

Source: The post is based on the article “Countering terror: All nations must come together against groups targeting civilians” published in The Hindu on 17^th November 2022.

Syllabus: GS – 3 – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

Relevance: About countering terror threats around the world.

News: Recently, India convened the UNSC special briefing on the ‘Global Counterterrorism Approach’.

What are the key highlights of India’s address on countering terror?

According to India’s External Affairs Minister, four hurdles to better counterterrorism cooperation need immediate attention. These are 1) state support for financing terror; 2) multilateral mechanisms that are opaque and agenda-driven; c) double standards and politicisation of countering terrorism according to where terror groups belong, and 4) the “next frontier” (the use of emerging technologies such as drones and virtual currency by terrorists).

India also mentioned that a P-5 country (China) continues to block the designations of Pakistan-based terrorists from the LeT and the JeM.

India stressed the global countries to unite and accept India’s 1996 proposal, the Comprehensive Convention on International Terror. This will institute global practices on countering terror. But the P-5 countries are polarised over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Note: India also conducted a No Money For Terror conference, and an Interpol conference on countering terror. Pakistan condemned India as India described Pakistan as an “epicentre of terrorism”.

What was Pakistan’s response to India’s argument on countering terror?

The Government should focus on the task at hand, that is “re-invigorating” the global agenda and counter-terrorism architecture by emphasising the need for unity on the issue.

India should garner attention from all countries to provide resources to the battle against terrorists, who continue to threaten civilian populations worldwide.