'Selective approach to terror won't work': Modi at BRICS summit

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 16: In a clear reference to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the "mothership of terrorism" was in India's neighbourhood and linked to terror modules across the world.

Modi's speech at the restricted BRICS leaders' meet, parts of which were tweeted by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup, also said that the neighbouring country sheltered not just terrorists but also "nurtures a mindset" which backs terrorism for political gains.

"In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development. Tragically, the mothership of terrorism is a country in India's neighbourhood. Terror modules around the world are linked to this mothership," Modi said at the meeting attended by Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Xi Jinping of China, Jacob Zuma of South Africa and Michel Temer of Brazil.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar also attended the restricted meeting.

"This country shelters not just terrorists. It nurtures a mindset. A mindset that loudly proclaims that terrorism is justified for political gains. It is a mindset that we strongly condemn," Modi said, exhorting BRICS states to "stand and act together" and speak in one voice against the threat.

Modi also said that the growing arc of terrorism today threatened the Middle East, West Asia, Europe and South Asia and that terrorism's "violent footprints put at risk the security of our citizens and undercuts our efforts aimed at economic growth".

Modi called on BRICS countries to work together for early adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and step up practical cooperation against terrorism.

Modi also spoke about Global challenges

The Prime Minister also spoke of critical challenges that confront the world and underlined the need for a clear roadmap to revive the global economy.

"Our increasing inter-dependence means that our march towards economic prosperity cannot be separated from the emerging geo-political context. BRICS, therefore, must play an active role in setting a direction that supports our common aspirations and goals.

"I firmly believe that the simultaneous development of Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and India is the best bet for global growth and development," Modi said.

Modi said the "unhindered flow of skilled talent, ideas, technology, and capital across borders was imperative to kickstart the growth process".

Comprehensive response to terrorism

Modi on Sunday also called for a comprehensive response to the scourge of terrorism, the reach of which, he said, is now global. Addressing the BRICS plenary meeting here, Modi said that terrorism "has grown more lethal and adept at the use of technology".

"Our response to terrorism must, therefore, be nothing less than comprehensive. And, we need to act both individually and collectively," he said. Without mentioning Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that selective approaches to terrorist individuals and organisations would not only be futile but also counter-productive.

"There must be no distinction based on artificial and self-serving grounds," he said.

Modi's remarks come after last month's cross-border terror attack on an army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers.

IANS