India, China play down differences on terrorism at Brics meeting in Beijing
India on Monday urged members of the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) grouping to condemn all forms of terror and not divide terrorists into good or bad ones.
“They are terrorists, they are criminals and we need to have concerted actions both regionally and internationally to curb their activities,” minister of state for external affairs VK Singh said.
Terrorism, he said, remains one of the most potent global menaces that threatens international peace and cannot be differentiated between good or bad.
Singh made the remarks while interacting with the media after the first stand-alone Brics foreign ministers’ meet, being held in Beijing ahead of the 9th summit of the grouping in Xiamen city of Fujian province. He reiterated India’s call for expedited adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations.
“We have the support of all the BRICS countries (on this),” Singh said, adding there is a “strong consensus” among Brics nations that all forms of terrorism must be condemned.
China, the current chair of BRICS, was quick to join India in condemning terror.
“China opposes terror in all forms. China is also victim of terror and China is taking part in global initiatives against terror. With colleagues today including Indian colleagues, China shares the same position,” foreign minister Wang Yi said while responding to a question from Hindustan Times on terror and differences on the issue within the bloc.
Both countries, at least publicly, seemed to play down differences on what India calls crossborder terrorism from Pakistan.
Singh’s comments came days after China said it was opposed to “double standards” in fighting terror ahead of the Brics ministers’ meeting.
They are terrorists, they are criminals and we need to have concerted actions both regionally and internationally to curb their activities VK SINGH , MoS for external affairs