PM pitches for 'zero tolerance' towards terror

Pitching for 'zero tolerance" against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told leaders of five-nation grouping BRICS that the "choices" they make now will shape the future of the world at large.

Addressing the summit of Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa in Fortaleza, he noted that the region stretching from Afghanistan to Africa is "experiencing turbulence and conflict" and "remaining mute spectators to countries being torn up can have grave consequences".  Modi, who is attending the Summit for the first time, said, "I firmly believe that terrorism, in any shape or form, is against humanity. There should be zero tolerance towards terrorism".  He underlined that the "choices we make now will shape the future of not just our countries, but the world at large".  The Prime Minister referred to the issue of cyber world and said, "Cyber space is a source of great opportunity" but "cyber security has "become a major concern". BRICS countries, Modi said, should take a lead in preserving cyber space as a global common good.  Modi also pushed for an "open, rule-based, international trading regime", saying it is critical for global economic growth.  "It (global economic growth) must address aspirations of developing world" and "accommodate the special needs of the most vulnerable sections of our societies, especially in such areas as food security," the Prime Minister said.  Observing that he comes from a land where the idea of the whole world being one family is rooted in its ethos 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam', he said, "we can all partake of the bounty of nature. However, exploitation of nature is a crime."  Talking in the context of India, he said, "we will champion clean and frugal resource use to maintain sustainability of our development process, without constraining our growth."  The Prime Minister said his government will invest heavily in infrastructure, affordable housing, healthcare, education and clean energy.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement in 6th BRICS Summit on the Agenda – "Political Coordination: "INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCE & REGIONAL CRISES"  We are meeting at a time when the world is facing a high level of turmoil and uncertainty. Global economic weakness also persists.  Restoring a climate of peace and stability is therefore an urgent need for global progress and prosperity.  I come from a land where the idea of the ‘whole world being one family` is rooted in our ethos – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.  The World must unite as one to decisively confront global challenges.  Corrective action must begin with the reform of institutions of global governance. This has been on the BRICS agenda since its inception.  Institutions like the UN Security Council and IMF need urgent reform. They must become more representative and reflect ground realities.  Excellencies, the region stretching from Afghanistan to Africa is experiencing turbulence and conflict. This is causing grave instability that is fast seeping across borders. This impacts us all. Remaining mute spectators to countries being torn up in this manner can have grave consequences.  Afghanistan, is facing an uncertain future. The Afghan people have suffered for decades. The World must unite to support them in building a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous country.  We must help Afghanistan fight the forces of terrorism. This is important for it to preserve the progress it has made in the last decade. India will continue to assist Afghanistan in building its capacity; in governance, security and economic development. We look forward to working with our BRICS partners in this regard.  The situation in West Asia poses a grave threat to regional, and global, peace and security. India is particularly concerned because this affects the lives of seven million Indian citizens; living in the Gulf region. We should explore how BRICS members can work together, in helping end the conflict in Iraq.  The developments in Syria continue to cause serious concern. India has consistently called upon all sides to give up violence. For a comprehensive solution there is no alternative to an inclusive political dialogue. A military, or externally imposed solution, will not work. India stands fully prepared to play a part in any peace process.  India is also concerned, at the recent outbreak of violence between Israel and Palestine. We support, a negotiated solution. This would inspire hope and confidence around the world.  India also supports, ongoing efforts to stabilize the situation in many African countries facing challenges of security and development.  Excellencies, Terrorism is a threat that has assumed war-like proportions. It is in fact a proxy war aimed at innocent civilians. Due to different yardsticks the international community has not been able to combat terror effectively.  I firmly believe that Terrorism, in any shape or form, is against Humanity. There should be Zero Tolerance towards Terrorism. Humanity must unite, and isolate terrorist forces,especially states that flout basic norms. Selective targeting of terrorism will not work.  BRICS must translate our political resolve into a concrete and coordinated Plan of Action. I call for an early adoption by the UN, of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.  We must also put collective pressure on States to deny sanctuaries and support to terrorists.  Similarly, while cyber space is a source of great opportunity, cyber security has become a major concern. BRICS countries, should take the lead in preserving Cyber Space, as a global common good. I am happy we are cooperating on this through our National Security Advisors.  In conclusion, I would say that this unique grouping has the capacity to play an important role in advancing global peace and stability.  We should move in that direction in a focused manner.