Fighting terror: India hopes to re-introduce CCIT at BRICS summit

New Delhi, Oct 14: Indian officials are working towards re-introducing the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the BRICS summit that will be held in Goa.

After National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval had proposed the CCIT to the NSA's from BRICS in September, Indian officials are working closely to re-introduce CCIT in the Goa declaration.

Officials are hopeful that the declaration would be issued. India has been pushing for CCIT since 1996 when it was prepared.

Since then India has pushed for the CCIT at almost every major forum. However, there has not been any major progress.

This time, however, India is hopeful of it going through. Doval during the meet in September with the BRICS NSAs had made a push for the CCIT and explained the importance of the same.

He said that CCIT could focus on cooperation in anti-terrorist operations. He also said that this could be done without getting entangled on the issue pertaining to the definition of terrorism.

What is CCIT

CCIT calls for a universal definition of terrorism. This means no nation can describe terrorists as good or bad. However, this has been a contentious issue which has led to many countries opposing it. Doval, however, said that CCIT can go through without getting entangled into the definition of terrorism.

It also calls for a ban on groups irrespective of country. Further it will also ensure access to funds and safe havens are cut off. Further it provides for the prosecution of all groups including cross border groups.

An amend to domestic laws to make cross border terror an extraditable offence is also provided for.

CCIT has been blocked after many countries raised concerns. The US and its allies have expressed concern over the definition of terrorism.

Further the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) had also expressed concerns that the CCIT would be used to target Pakistan and also restrict rights of self-determination groups in Kashmir and Palestine.

OneIndia News