NEED FOR RESOLUTE ACTION: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that terrorism and externally-induced instability pose the gravest threat to Afghanistan’s peace, stability and prosperity, and asserted that “silence and inaction against terrorism in Afghanistan and our region will only embolden terrorists and their masters”.

Without naming Pakistan, PM Modi said that mere support for peace in Afghanistan is not enough and that “it must be backed by resolute action not just against forces of terrorism, but also against those who support, shelter, train and finance them”.

PM Modi was speaking at the Heart of Asia meet on Afghanistan’s situation. India has always maintained that Pakistan is openly supporting, backing and financing terror on Indian soil, the latest incident being an attack in Jammu’s Nagrota.

India also announced that it plans to connect Afghanistan with India through an air transport corridor, a move that will give India leverage in Afghanistan as Pakistan continues to deny transit link through its territory.

“Let us also reflect with urgency on what more must be done and what we must avoid in Afghanistan so that its citizens can self-sustain peace and economic growth,” the PM said.

“We must demonstrate strong collective will to defeat terror networks that cause bloodshed and spread fear. Terrorism and externally-induced instability pose the gravest threat to Afghanistan’s peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.

It is simplistic to blame only one country for the recent upsurge in violence. We need to have an objective and holistic view. — SARTAJ AZIZ, Pakistan’s foreign affairs adviser