Swaraj seeks resolute global action against terror

India on Friday sought resolute and comprehensive global action against terror infrastructure, saying the challenge must be taken seriously as different "theatres" are getting interconnected through terror networks as well as globalisation of the "supply chain of ideology".

In her address at the annual summit of the Shanghai Corporation Organisation, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India has long been a victim of terrorism and called upon member countries of the powerful grouping to join hands to combat the menace.

"We are acutely aware of the threat that its perpetrators pose to our people, as also to our common region. We are seeing different theatres getting interconnected through terror networks and a globalisation of the supply chain of ideology, radicalisation, recruitment, training and financing of terrorism," she said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani were among a host of heads of states who participated in the summit that laid heavy focus on regional security ahead of the planned drawdown of foreign forces in Afghanistan by end of the year.

Swaraj said "a resolute and more comprehensive response" was required from the international community and India was of the firm view that only multilateral efforts and integrated actions can help effectively counter these negative forces including the related evils of drug trafficking and small arms proliferation.

"In this context, we are keen to deepen our security-related cooperation with the SCO in general and with the Regional Counter Terrorism Structure, in particular," Swaraj said.

The summit of the SCO, a China-dominated security grouping, has also decided to set the ball rolling to grant India, Pakistan and Iran membership of the bloc as it seeks to expand reach in combating challenges of terrorism.

Delving on situation in Afghanistan, she said India was concerned about the security challenges which may emanate from the developing situation in the trouble-torn country.

"India strongly believes that Afghanistan can successfully complete the security, political and economic transitions and regain its historical place as a hub for regional trade and transit routes," the minister said.

"However, at this time of delicate transition, the international community must stand united to support Afghanistan to preserve the progress it has made in the last decade against terrorism and related threats to its national well-being," she said.

Swaraj's comments on the need of global action to combat terrorism came a day after she met Tajik President and host of the SCO Summit Emomali Rahmon during which the two sides discussed counter terrorism and mentioned that they have a common enemy in Islamic fundamentalism.

Photographs: Suhaib Salem/Reuters