NSA Ajit Doval highlights cross-border terrorism concerns at SCO meeting, mentions LeT and JeM
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana. In his address, Doval highlighted the need to shun double standards and hold sponsors, financiers, and facilitators of terrorism accountable.
Combatting Terrorism:
In his address, NSA Doval stated that any act of terror committed by whomsoever, whenever, and for whatever reasons is not justified. He asserted that perpetrators of terrorism should be effectively and expeditiously dealt with, including those involved in cross-border terrorism.
Threat from Terror Groups:
He raised the issue of the continued threat posed by various terror groups in the SCO region, including those designated by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), such as Al Qaeda and its affiliates, ISIS & its affiliates, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Muhammad.
Countering Technology Use by Terrorists:
NSA Doval stressed the need to counter the use of technology by terrorists, including drones for cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs. He said that India supports the creation of effective mechanisms for countering terror financing and supports further strengthening of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) SCO in this regard.
Enhancing Ties with SCO Nations:
Highlighting the ties between SCO nations and India, he stated that the relationship goes back several centuries and is committed to further deepening it. He emphasized that India is committed to enhancing transit trade and connectivity, which he stressed must be fully respectful of sovereignty and territorial integrity of SCO
