Key conspirators, planners of 26/11 terror attacks continue to remain protected and unpunished: Jaishankar

He said the 'shocking' terror attack was an attack not just on Mumbai, but on the international community

In what comes as a criticism of the United Nations Security Council, India on Friday said that the international body has been unable to act in some cases because of political considerations.

The statement also comes as a snub to neighbours China and Pakistan vis-a-vis their stance on the masterminds of the fidayeen attacks in India’s commercial capital 14 years ago.

“In another month, we will be observing the 14th anniversary of these ghastly attacks on Mumbai in November 2008. While one of the terrorists was captured alive, prosecuted, and convicted by the highest court in India, the key conspirators and planners of the 26/11 attacks continue to remain protected and unpunished,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said.

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"When it comes to proscribing some of these terrorists, the Security Council has regrettably been unable to act in some cases because of political considerations. This undermines our collective credibility and our collective interests,” he said at an informal briefing on combating terrorism financing in local and regional contexts.

The meeting also had a detailed session on "Countering Financing of Terrorism in the Local and Regional Context”.

The briefing is part of the Special Meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee which was hosted at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, one of the places which were attacked by Pakistani fidayeen between 26-29 November 2008.

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Jaishankar’s statement came in presence of Michael Moussa Adamo, the Foreign Minister of the Gabonese Republic and President of the UN Security Council, and Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism.

Jaishankar’s statement assumes significance in the wake of China blocking attempts to proscribe Pakistan-based terror group chiefs.

“Together, we should send out the message that the international community will never give up on holding terrorists accountable and delivering justice. 26/11 will never ever be forgotten,” said Jaishankar, adding, “Terrorism may have plagued several regions of the world. We, in India, understand its cost more than others. But with that experience comes the steeling of national resolve. Decades of cross-border terror has not and will not weaken our commitment to fight back.”