EAM Jaishankar emphasises 'zero tolerance approach' on terrorism at ARF meeting

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday urged the members of the ASEAN Regional Forum to adopt a «uniform, unified and zero-tolerance» approach on the issue of terrorism, including dismantling the sanctuaries and financing networks. Addressing the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting here in the capital of Indonesia, he underlined that India was responding to global challenges by promoting global cooperation and delegitimisation to counter-terrorism. «On terrorism, emphasised that ARF members must adopt a uniform, unified and zero-tolerance approach.

This includes dismantling sanctuaries and financing networks, countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,» the minister said in a tweet. India has been pressing Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism emanating from that country. Jaishankar, who is visiting Indonesia for the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format — ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum, also pressed for «diplomacy to address conflicts».

He also spoke about the issue of contributing to the diversification of supply chains for economic resilience and advocating expanded resource access to help the Global South. The minister during his address focused on three current issues — maritime matters, Myanmar, and terrorism — and applauded Indonesia's leadership in ensuring a strong and united commemoration forum statement. On maritime issues, Jaishankar stressed the primacy of UNCLOS 1982 and support for ASEAN's position that it is the basis for determining entitlements.