'Terrorism as state policy unacceptable': EAM Jaishankar calls for global action

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said using terrorism as an instrument of statecraft was unacceptable and could never be justified, warning that the threat persisted because some states continued to put political interests ahead of efforts to combat it.

Addressing the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan, held to mark United Nations Day, Jaishankar called for greater global awareness of the threat and a stronger collective response to terrorism in all its forms.

"Terrorism is another deadly threat to peace. Its usage as an instrument of statecraft is simply unacceptable. It can never be justified; it can never be rationalised. Yet, it continues because not all states really display zero-tolerance. Despite history holding so many lessons, some still allow political calculations to take precedence," he said.

"The world must, therefore, develop sharper awareness about this common threat. And it must come together with stronger resolve and counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he added.

Referring to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, the External Affairs Minister said peace was indivisible in an interconnected world, with people far removed from the fighting also bearing its consequences.

"We cannot remain helpless spectators. India expresses global sentiment when we urge that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution. We are making efforts ourselves and are open to working with other partners to that end," Jaishankar said.

Highlighting the "4F crisis" of finance, fuel, food and fertiliser affecting the Global South, he said the Global North also had a stake in finding solutions.

"The international economy must be urgently de-risked and nations provided with more diversified options. Market distortions through constriction and chokepoints only add to suffering. A genuine dialogue in this regard is overdue," he said.

On Artificial Intelligence (AI), Jaishankar said a technology with such far-reaching consequences could not be left in the hands of a few. He reiterated India's support for an approach that is responsible, inclusive and centred on people.

Calling for reforms at the United Nations, he said the need for reformed multilateralism was becoming more urgent, with large parts of the world still excluded from decision-making.

"The case for reformed multilateralism gets stronger by the day. Large parts of the world cannot be left out from decision-making. The UN must show leadership; not be a spectator to global crises," he said.

(With IANS inputs)