India, Russia, China vow to jointly fight terrorism

Foreign Ministers of the three countries, who met here under the format of Russia-India-China (RIC), viewed with concern the situation in Afghanistan-Pakistan region and vowed to forge a closer cooperation in the fight against the global menace of terrorism.

At the two-hour-long meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov joined External Affairs S M Krishna in condemning the attack on Indian Embassy in Kabul on October 8 and pressed for bringing to justice perpetrators of all such assaults.
During the meeting, the three Foreign Ministers also discussed collaborative ways of meeting other global challenges like economic recession and climate change besides stepping up cooperation trilaterally in the areas like trade, healthcare, agriculture and disaster mitigation.
A joint communique issued after the meeting said the ministers stressed the "need for strict observance of the sanctions regime against persons and entities listed by the UNSC Committee (under resolution) 1267."

This may be seen in the context of JuD, which was proscribed by the UNSC in December last year for its involvement in the Mumbai attacks but its chief Hafiz Saeed continues to be a free man.

India has been emphasising that Pakistan should implement the UNSC resolution against JuD and Saeed in letter and spirit.
Pakistan, however, insists that Saeed has no involvement in any case of terrorism.
The ministers "stressed that all concerned must implement relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, particularly UNSC Resolutions 1267, 1373 and 1540 and international conventions and protocols against terrorism as well as contribute to implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism," the joint communique said.
During the meeting, India and Russia particularly emphasised the need for Pakistan to do more on fight against all kinds of terrorism, instead of being selective.
The Chinese side, however, defended Pakistan, claiming it was the "frontline nation" in fight against terror, sources said.
At a "press interaction" during which no questions were entertained, Krishna said the three sides were of the view that their cooperation in fight against terrorism and other trans-national crimes will provide stability to the region and world.
Lavrov said the three countries need to be united in confronting terrorism and drug trafficking.
The Chinese Minister said the three countries would make joint efforts for security and stability of the region.

The communique said the meeting strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, underlining that there is no justification for any act of terror anywhere.
It said the ministers agreed that "concerted trilateral action against international terrorism, trans-national crimes and drug-trafficking would promote stability and all-round development in today's inter-dependent world".

Expressing concern at deterioration of security situation in Afghanistan, the ministers agreed that terrorism must be combated firmly by the international community.
In the context of strengthening international cooperation against terrorism, the ministers asked all the UN member states to urgently conclude and adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, the communique said.

On the problem of terrorism in the region, the Russian Foreign Minister referred to the current situation in Afghanistan and said "we cannot stand aloof of what is going on in a friendly country".
He said Russia, India and China should make joint efforts for restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Ministers discussed ways to boost trilateral trade and economic cooperation with an objective of making the meetings of the RIC forum meaningful for the business communities "so that new opportunities may be grasped".

Reviewing the situation arising out of global financial crisis, the three Foreign Ministers felt that the international architectures were not in tune with current realities and favoured a reform with representation to developing world.

Indian Foreign Minister S M Krishna (C), met with his counterparts from China Yang Jiechi (R) and Russia Sergey Lavrov in Bangalore, Tuesday.