India seeks 'whole of world' approach to counter terrorism

New Delhi, Feb 19: India on Friday called for a “whole of the world” approach to counter the global scourge of terrorism. “India has displayed early initiative in building a global resolve and new strategies for combating terrorism by tabling a Comprehensive Convention on Intertiol Terrorism at the United tions almost two decades ago,” Anil Wadhwa, secretary (east) in the ministry of exterl affairs, said while addressing the academic session at the eighth edition of the Delhi Dialogue here. “The initiative has now gathered greater traction at a time when the spectre of global terrorism appears more threatening. We encourage a ‘whole of the world’ approach in countering terrorism,” he said.

The Delhi Dialogue is a premier annual track 1.5 diplomatic event discussing the politico-security, economic and socio-cultural engagement between India and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian tions (Asean). Wadhwa said the security issues of terrorism, moderation, cyber crime and South Chi Sea were addressed throughout the year culmiting in the 10th East Asia Summit (EAS) held in November 2015 in Kuala Lumpur.

“Counter-terrorism and South Chi Sea issue domited the proceedings in the wake of rise of ISIS (as the Islamic State terrorist outfit is also known), Paris attacks and activities carried out in some of the islands of South Chi Sea,” he said.

“EAS participating countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, rejected the brand of Islam being propagated by ISIS, and advocated undertaking effective counter-measures against ISIS, including promoting moderation and awareness about the true ture of Islam.” Wadhwa said India has taken several initiatives to promote greater cooperation with Asean on terrorism and security-related issues in 2015. (ians)