CAIRO:
India today called for a “comprehensive” fight against terror groups like the Pakistan-based LeT and Taliban which have grown in its neighbourhood and the dreaded ISIS that is now emerging as a threat in the Gulf region.
Visiting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj while voicing India’s concern over the growth of terrorism and radicalisation also said there is a need to develop a broader approach based on dialogue to shift from an atmosphere of “mistrust and violence” towards one which exudes confidence in peace and development.
The comments came days after the cancellation of the Indo-Pak NSA-level talks scheduled in New Delhi that would have presented India an opportunity for a bilateral dialogue on terrorism.
In an address to a select group of Egypt’s strategic thinkers and policy makers, Swaraj talked about the threat of ISIS in the Gulf region and that of Taliban and Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) in India’s neighbourhood.
“We are today witnessing growing violence and intolerance. The growth of extremism as represented by Al Qaeda and now ISIS in your region and that of Taliban, Laskhar-e-Toiba and others in our neighbourhood, are manifestations of this trend.
“We have to fight radicalisation and extremism, the threat of terrorism and the emergence of non-state actors who challenge the civilised world in a collective and comprehensive manner,” she said at the prestigious Diplomatic Club here.
Swaraj said India remained concerned about the growth of terrorism and of sectarian violence in the region and stands committed to support efforts to fight this.
“We also sense a need to develop a broader approach based on dialogue to shift from an atmosphere of mistrust and violence towards one which exudes confidence in peace and development.” (AGENCIES)