New Delhi:
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who is in the Philippines to attend the 4th Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Defence Ministers' meeting, emphasized on the need to check terrorism and radicalisation through social media.
Sitharaman said terrorism poses a serious security challenge to the world and all the countries should come together to fight the menace. She added the global strategic and security situation has been constantly evolving which is creating fresh and serious challenges.
"The defence and security scenario in our shared region has also witnessed significant changes recently. Our countries now need to simultaneously prepare for traditional (military) and non-traditional threats," she said.
Sitharaman termed terrorism as a trans-national phenomenon which needed strong, collective action. She praised the Philippines for determinedly addressing the threat posed by terrorists in the southern part of the country.
"New developments in social media and cyberspace have expanded the threat, as these are exploited by terrorists to develop less visible but lethal ways and means of manipulating minds of the people," she said in a statement.
"I wish to commend the Philippines for reiterating India's zero tolerance for terrorism anywhere and under any circumstances. There are no good terrorists," she said.
Sitharaman said the transnational activism of terrorist groups and the spectre of returning foreign fighters as well as the conduct of irresponsible states that provide safe havens, funding, and even encouragement to terrorist groups all needed to be addressed jointly and comprehensively.
"Terrorism anywhere is a threat everywhere," she said.
"India has taken resolute measures to fight the scourge of terrorism from across its borders. We fully recognise the role of joint mechanisms with our partners and the role of international and regional forums in fighting this menace.
"The recent, BRICS Summit Declaration condemning all forms of terrorism and identifying a number of terrorist organisations engaged in dastardly acts was a positive step...We should be clear and unequivocal in our condemnation of terrorism," she was quoted as saying in the statement.
Sitharaman added that maritime security was equally important and India supports freedom of navigation, overflight, and commerce throughout the region.
"Nations should resolve maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law. We support a rules based order for oceans and sea that is critical for the continued growth and development of the Indo-Pacific region," she said.
On the issue of North Korea’s missile and nuclear tests, Sitharaman said that these actions were in breach of its international commitments and have triggered serious concern.
"India has deplored these tests. We remain concerned about the proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies which has adversely impacted India's national security and that of the entire region.
"It is important that North Korea's proliferation linkages are investigated and those who have supported its nuclear and missile programme are held accountable," she said.
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