Good, bad ultras are all the same: Kovind

New Delhi, June 19

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday delivered his first major foreign policy speech highlighting challenges of terrorism and multilateralism at a leading Greek think-tank in Athens. 

Addressing the Hellenic Foundation for Europe and Foreign Policy on ‘India and Europe in a Changing World’, President Kovind urged India and EU to persuade the world to not distinguish between so-called “good” and “bad” terrorists and “to shame and sanction state sponsors of terrorism”.

He advocated “robust, rules-based, multilateral institutions and connectivity projects that are viable, sustainable, respect the sovereignty and territory of nations”. The President’s address comes just weeks after PM Narendra Modi spoke strongly in favour of international laws and commitments at the Shangri La dialogue in Singapore.

“India and Europe must work together to ensure that the multilateral mechanism remains resilient and serves future generations—as well as accommodates new actors with a merit-based claim for a seat at the table,” said President Kovind. “As a responsible power, India seeks to be a rule framer and rule custodian.” 

The President also underlined radicalisation and terrorism as global concerns with India and EU facing pockets of instability and extremism to their west and east respectively. — TNS