Need to deal cross-border terror in comprehensive manner: Ansari

Bamako, September 30

In the wake of the surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC, India on Friday asserted that international and cross-border terrorism should be dealt with in a comprehensive manner and called for early adoption of a global treaty on terrorism.

Noting that terrorist actions cannot be justified on any grounds, Vice-President Hamid Ansari said India face the threat of terrorism from across its borders.

“India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and is of view that international and cross-border terrorism should be dealt in a comprehensive manner. We feel that with a view to strengthening international normative regime on terrorism, an early adoption of the CCIT (Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism) is essential,” he told the National Assembly of the Republic of Mali.

Seeking Mali’s cooperation in this regard, he said, “As we move forward, individually and together, to build a better future for our people and societies, we must also reckon with the impediments to development.

“Foremost among them is the scourge of terrorism, regionally and globally. The spreading tide of extremism and terrorism is a threat we both face,” he said.

Ansari said as the world becomes more globalised and inter-connected, the salience of global cross-cutting issues is rising and these issues cannot be resolved by a handful of powerful countries or even through regional efforts.

“They include issues such as climate change but also global public health challenges, drug-trafficking, trafficking of humans, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and international terrorism. There are newer domains of cyber security and space security.”

Terming Mali as an ancient seat of learning and a nation that was for centuries a melting pot of cultural traditions and influences, and home to great scholars, musicians and historians, he said “in recent years we have sought to close the distance that separates us physically”.

He said his visit, the first high-level one to Mali from India, takes place at a time of excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.

“My visit comes at a time when the world is acknowledging the India growth story. This economic growth provides India more resources not just for its own development, but also more financial leverage in expanding the scope of its engagement with emerging growth poles of the world like Africa.

“It comes at a time when Africa, awash with the spirit of democracy, has consolidated its control over its resources and accelerated its march towards securing a prosperous future for its people.”

Ansari said India and Mali neither has a transactional partnership nor does New Delhi merely return to Africa what was earlier robbed from it. — PTI