New York

India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, R Ravindra has called for a crackdown on terror financing, and targeted sanctions on terrorist individuals and entities to counter terrorism effectively.

Delivering a statement at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the Cooperation between the UN and the Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security, Ravindra said that certain nations use terrorism as an instrument of State policy and added that this approach has the potential to affect cooperation in multilateral platforms, including at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

He said, "When we talk about international peace and security, you will agree that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats. We must, therefore, shun double standards in our fight against terrorism. Certain countries are using terrorism as an instrument of State policy. Such an approach has the potential to affect cooperation in multilateral platforms including at the SCO."

"We must reaffirm our resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and we must crackdown on all forms of support to terrorism, including its financing. There is a need for full implementation of UNSC resolution and targeted sanctions on terrorist individuals and entities to counter terrorism effectively. In this regard, the leaders of SCO agreed in the Astana Declaration adopted on 4 July 2024 that the international community must isolate and expose those countries that harbour terrorists, provide them with safe haven and condone terrorism," he added.

He also called for taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of radicalization among the youth. The joint statement on the subject of radicalization issued during India's SCO chairship in 2023 showcases their shared commitment in the fight against radicalization, he said.

Highlighting the role of SCO-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in strengthening cooperation between member states, R Ravindra said, "In the backdrop of increasing regional conflicts with new and complex security challenges, the SCO-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is playing a significant role in strengthening cooperation among the member states."

"We need to further strengthen the role of SCO-RATS in the fight against the three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism; and in this regard, the Programme of Cooperation for 2025-27 approved at the Astana Summit is a welcome move. India is also actively contributing to the discussion on setting up a Universal Centre in Tashkent," he added.

He noted that Chapter VIII of the UN Charter ascribes a special role to the regional organisations for dealing with matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security. He stated that Article 52 of the UN Charter encourages settlements of disputes through regional arrangements or by regional agencies.

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R Ravindra stressed that regional and sub-regional organisations have time and again shown how important their role is in the maintenance of international peace and security.