India moved the proposal backed by the US to list Abdul Rauf Azhar as a terrorist in the UN security council last year.
S Jaishankar had criticized China for the politicization of the sanctions regime, the previous year he had criticized China for blocking the entry of Pakistan-based terrorist groups in the United Nations Security Council. Abdul Rauf Azhar the younger brother of the founder of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed and also the deputy chief of the terrorist organization was said to be engaged in various extremist activities involving the hijacking of Indian Airlines in 1999, the Parliament attack of 2001 and the Indian Air Force base attack in 2016.
The Need for Addressing the Issue:
The misuse of veto power by any permanent member undermines the integrity and effectiveness of the UNSC. The international community must address this issue through dialogue and diplomatic efforts. Encouraging China to reconsider its stance and align its actions with the global consensus on counterterrorism will be instrumental in achieving progress.
Implications for Regional Security:
The ramifications of China’s actions extend beyond international forums. The support provided to Pakistan-based terrorist organizations indirectly affects regional security, particularly in South Asia. With terrorist groups enjoying safe havens and continued support, there is a risk of cross-border terrorism, exacerbating tensions between India and Pakistan. Moreover, it hampers peace-building initiatives and undermines efforts to promote stability in Afghanistan.
Undermining Global Counterterrorism Efforts:
China’s misuse of veto power poses significant challenges to global counterterrorism efforts. By shielding Pakistan-based terrorists from international scrutiny, it allows these groups to operate with impunity, perpetuating violence and instability in the region. Furthermore, it undermines the collective efforts of the international community to combat terrorism, as consensus and unified action at the UNSC are vital in addressing this global menace.
India’s Diplomatic Efforts:
India has utilized diplomatic channels to address China’s stance on terrorist listings. It has engaged in bilateral discussions and made diplomatic representations to express its concerns about China’s support for Pakistan-based terrorists. By highlighting the impact of terrorism on regional stability and peace, India seeks to convey the urgency and necessity of designating these groups as international terrorists.
Diversifying Counterterrorism Strategies:
In response to China’s obstruction, India has further diversified its counterterrorism strategies. It has intensified its bilateral and regional cooperation with other nations in the fight against terrorism. By strengthening intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint exercises, India aims to enhance its preparedness and response capabilities, irrespective of the obstacles posed by China’s veto power.
India’s response to China’s blocking of terrorist listings in the UN reflects its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism. Through diplomatic efforts, building international consensus, engaging multilateral platforms, and diversifying counterterrorism strategies, India strives to overcome the challenges presented by China’s obstruction. By relentlessly pursuing the designation of Pakistan-based terrorist organizations, India endeavors to safeguard regional stability, promote peace, and uphold the principles of global counterterrorism efforts.
Strengthening Regional Stability:
India’s inclusion in the UNSC as a permanent member would enhance regional stability, particularly in South Asia. The region faces various security challenges, including cross-border terrorism, proliferation of weapons, and border disputes. With a seat at the Security Council, India can effectively contribute to resolving these issues through diplomatic means, dialogue, and conflict resolution mechanisms. A permanent seat for India would ensure that the Security Council better reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century.