‘ Terrorism can’t be linked with any religion’

Sochi ( Russia), Dec. 1: External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday said that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion as she urged the international community to enhance cooperation to combat the scourge which is a “crime against the entire humanity”.

Ms Swaraj, who is here to attend the summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ( SCO) — a China- dominated security grouping which is increasingly seen as a counterweight to Nato — said that India strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

India is attending the SCO summit as a permanent member for the first time. In June, India and Pakistan had become full- fledged members of the SCO.

“My congratulations to Pakistan for becoming the full member of SCO,” Ms Swaraj said.

“This meeting has a special significance for India because it is the first meeting of the council, after India became the full member of the SCO. Furthermore, it is being hosted by our old and trusted friend Russia.

“I bring warm greetings and best wishes from our PM Narendra Modi for the success of this meeting,” the minister said. Ms Swaraj said that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism.

“We are determined to consistently strengthen cooperation within the SCO frameworky,” she said.