Asserting that the time for talks has passed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called on world leaders for united action against terrorism and its supporters. The comments came as part of the joint statement between India and Argentina during the ongoing three-day visit of Argentine President Mauricio Macri here. Macri is the first international leader to visit India after the Pulwama attack that claimed lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Kashmir last week.
“I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to world’s peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed,” Modi said in a Press statement in presence of Marci. “Now it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is a kin to encouraging terrorism,” Modi said, without naming Pakistan.
Being a part of G20 countries, it’s also important that we implement 11 point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement. India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today,” he further stated.
President Macri, while condemning the attack, extended Argentina’s support to India in the fight against terrorism. “I would like to convey my condolences to the victims of the cruel attack (Pulwama) perpetrated just a few days ago. We condemn every kind of terrorist attack. I am truly pleased to be able to work together to fight this scourge on mankind,” Macri also said.
In a joint special declaration to fight terrorism, both leaders agreed that terrorism poses a grave threat to global peace and stability and noted the need for concerted action by the global community against terrorism.
They stressed, particularly emphasising the “scourge of cross-border terrorism”, that there could be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever. “They reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and asserted that strong measures should be taken against terrorists, terror organisations, their networks and all those who encourage, support, finance and provide safe haven to terrorists and terror groups,” the special declaration said.
The two leaders also underscored the need to ensure that terrorist organisations do not get access to any Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) or technologies or finances and committed to cooperate in the specialised multilateral fora. The leaders stressed that terrorism is a “global scourge” that must be fought and terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world.
The international community has united in its condemnation of terrorism following the Pulwama attack, with the USA telling Pakistan to stop providing a safe haven and support to terrorist organisations. India had earlier called its High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, to Delhi for consultations after the attack. Pakistan has since rejected all allegations, going as far as calling Mahmood back to Islamabad “for consultations” on February 18.