Terrorism: 'India needed patience, long term engagement'

Chennai, April 25: Terming cross border terrorism as a "catastrophe" for the region and the world, Special Secretary (Public Diplomacy) of External Affairs Jayant Prasad said India "needed patience, perseverance and a long-term engagement."

Prasad who had served in Afghanistan, said the rise of militia in Afghanistan may become a catastrophe to not just the region but the world.

Addressing a conclave on "India's Strategic Foreign Policy" here, Prasad said that while India's objective was to preserve its freedom, the country was now facing challenges like unequal growth and rising expectations.

India, he said, had to manage a complex process of change and had to assist countries of the region when required.

P Murari, Advisor to FICCI said that the foreign policy of India has never been a static concept and was continuously evolving.

He also highlighted the increasing menace of sea piracy which had come closer to home in the Arabian Sea and also said that India had to learn from China.

PTI