Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar criticised Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism as he presided over a meeting on the topic at the UN Security Council. He claimed that South Asia still had long-standing terror networks and old habits that were active today, despite "whatever gloss may be applied to minimise unpleasant realities."
Without naming China, he also attacked “double standards” in fighting terrorism and said the world cannot afford tactical compromises or attention deficit on this issue.
"Some have stuck with the idea that terrorism is merely another tool or tactic for far too long. Such cynicism has been used by those who support terrorism to continue. Even for the people whose tolerance goes this far, it could be harmful, Jaishankar added, recalling how attempts to outlaw terrorists that were supported by evidence had been delayed without a good justification.
Anjali Kulthe, a nurse from India and a victim of the Mumbai attacks, spoke about the human cost of terrorism during the meeting held under India's leadership. Her testimony, according to the minister, served as a reminder that justice in the case had not yet been served.
Jaishankar called for a comprehensive, contemporary and result-oriented approach to terrorism and for overcoming political differences to arrive at a ‘zero tolerance’ policy.
The minister identified four major challenges which, according to him, the counter-terrorism architecture is grappling with.