India Calls for Proactive Measures Against Terrorism, Highlights Regional Cooperation

India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, R Ravindra, urges enhanced efforts to combat terrorism and terror financing. Addressing a United Nations Security Council briefing, Ravindra emphasized the role of regional organizations in maintaining global peace and security.

India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, R Ravindra, has urged comprehensive measures against terror financing and called for targeted sanctions on terrorist entities to effectively counter terrorism. Addressing the United Nations Security Council briefing on cooperation between the UN and regional organizations for maintaining international peace and security, Ravindra lambasted nations using terrorism as state policy, warning that such practices hinder multilateral cooperation, including within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

"Terrorism is one of the gravest threats to international peace and security. Double standards in combating terrorism must end. Nations using terrorism as state policy risk jeopardizing multilateral platform cooperation, including within the SCO," Ravindra asserted. He highlighted the need for robust actions against terrorism financing and stressed the importance of isolating countries that harbor terrorists, referencing the Astana Declaration of July 2024.

Ravindra also called for preventive measures against youth radicalization, underscoring India's commitment during its 2023 SCO chairship. He praised the SCO-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) for its significant role amid evolving regional security challenges, and proposed enhanced cooperation through the Program of Cooperation for 2025-27. Ravindra reaffirmed the indispensable role of regional organizations in maintaining global peace as dictated by Chapter VIII of the UN Charter.

Addressing the complexity of modern security threats, he emphasized the transnational nature of issues including terrorism, drug trafficking, and climate change. He called for coordinated global actions and lauded ongoing UN cooperation with regional bodies like CSTO, CIS, and SCO. Ravindra also celebrated the longstanding diplomatic ties between India and Central Asia, highlighting India's commitment to peace, stability, and economic development in the region.

During his speech, Ravindra spotlighted India's priorities within the SCO and its 'SECURE' vision for Security, Economic cooperation, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty, and Environmental protection. He pointed to India's support for developmental projects in Central Asia, including a USD 1 billion Line of Credit and initiatives for socio-economic development.

The deputy representative emphasized the strategic importance of Chabahar Port in enhancing connectivity for Afghanistan and Central Asia and warned that developments in Afghanistan could profoundly impact regional security. He reiterated India's support for UN and regional organization cooperation in conflict prevention, management, and resolution, as well as in promoting peace and development globally.