Madam Chairperson,
Non-traditional security threats such as terrorism, piracy, illegal drug and arms trafficking, threat of terrorists gaining access to WMDs pose serious challenges to peace and security not only in Asia and Europe but also globally. These challenges can only
be addressed through collective effort by the international community. We believe that different multi-lateral processes, including various regional forums dealing with these issues, such as, the ARF and ADMM-Plus, should consolidate international efforts
to address these threats.
Terrorism is a truly trans-national menace. Recruiting, planning, financing and training for terror operations can all be done outside the borders of the country which is attacked. Sanctuaries for terror infrastructure outside of our national borders are a
continuing concern. Political expediency, short-term gains, geo-political considerations, faulty analyses, etc. blur clarity on how to address the menace of international terrorism. All terror is unacceptable and has to be tackled comprehensively. A selective
approach will not work. Over the past couple of years, we have seen greater understanding amongst the members of the international community that segmented approaches to the problem of terrorism have not worked; nor has the approach of differentiating between
lesser and greater evils in this context.
There has to be an international collaboration in the sharing of information, countering the financing of terrorism, building capacity in our anti-terror mechanisms, exchange of best practices and strengthening our mutual legal assistance and extradition
regimes. We piloted the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN because we were convinced that existing sectoral conventions left wide gaps in the global anti-terror legal framework. We urge early adoption of this overdue Convention.
India is party to all the existing international Conventions on Terrorism. In 2010, we became members of the Financial Action Task Force, the world’s premier inter-governmental organisation to monitor standards in anti-money laundering and counter-financing
of terrorism. We co-chair the Asia Pacific Group, a FATF styled regional body, for the period 2010-2012 and will be hosting its plenary in Kochi in July 2011. We are fully committed to implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy of 2006. We are happy
to have assumed chairmanship of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee (also known as the 1373 Committee) in January 2011.
India has deep concerns about the nexus between fundamentalism, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.
Madam Chairperson,
The maritime security environment in the Indian Ocean region continues to be fragile. Non-state threats to maritime security are also on the rise from piracy, smuggling, international terrorism, transnational crimes, drug-trafficking, maritime security and
proliferation of sensitive items.
Maritime security is an issue of significant relevance to the growing economies of Asia Pacific Region. The economic growth of the region remains critically dependent on oceanic connectivity and stable maritime environment. It is a fundamental factor in ensuring
the welfare and economic security of the region.
Maritime security can be enhanced by transparency, dialogue and cooperation to augment confidence for coordinated response to non-traditional maritime security threats. While addressing the threats posed by non-state actors is important, states themselves must
abide by "rules of the road.”
Cooperation on maritime security issues could provide the necessary trust and confidence to build a flexible and adaptable Pan Oceanic Security Order for protection of maritime commons.
On the specific challenge posed by Piracy, we feel that it not only threatens the safety and security of maritime trade, but has also brought about much suffering to seafarers and their families.
India is committed to international efforts against piracy. As a founder member of the Contact Group on Piracy, we have contributed to its efforts to counter piracy. Our naval ships deployed in the Gulf of Aden since October 2008 have successfully thwarted
several piracy attempts and provided security escort to Indian and foreign merchant ships. Indian naval forces have also stepped up their vigil against pirates near our coast. They have apprehended several pirates and rescued hostages being held by them.
It, however, remains a matter of serious concern for us that more than 550 hostages, including 46 Indian nationals, continue to languish in the custody of the pirates. It is important to have greater cooperation among governments for ensuring the safety and
early release of the hostages.
India also supports greater involvement of the UN in coordinating international efforts to enhance global anti-piracy efforts. In this regard, India played an important role in the framing and adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1976 (this year), particularly
to include references expressing serious concern at the inhuman conditions that hostages faced in captivity, the adverse impact on their families and calling for the immediate release of all hostages as well as noting the importance of cooperation between
member States on the issue of hostage taking.
Madam Chairperson, I thank all of you for allowing me to take the floor.
Godollo (Hungary)
June 06, 2011