Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Monday called for consistency in fighting terrorism and radicalisation. Speaking at the India-ASEAN Connectivity Summit, the Minister called for a war against terrorism and said radicalisation must be fought both on the battlefield and in the mind.
Talking about ASEAN connectivity, in an indirect reference to China’s expansionist behaviour in the South China Sea the Minister emphasised on the need for ensuring freedom of navigation in all waters.
“We believe in bridges, not barriers, in freedom of navigation in all waters… We believe in pluralism, and equality of culture and faith; and we recognise that the existential threat comes from ideologues who believe in faith-supremacy with their evil, barbaric terrorist militias,” Akbar said. The Summit is exploring ways to deepen connectivity between India and the ASEAN countries.