Countries using terrorism as ‘political tool’ must understand that it is equally big threat for them: Modi at UN
“World must provide help to the people in war-torn Afghanistan”
United Nations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that countries with “regressive thinking” that are using terrorism as a “political tool” must understand that it is an equally big threat for them also, in a veiled attack on Pakistan which is often accused by its neighbours of providing safe havens to terrorists.
Addressing the 76th UN General Assembly here, Prime Minister Modi also said that in order to strengthen the rules-based world order, the international community must speak in unison, in an apparent reference to China which is flexing its military muscles in the Indo-Pacific.
Noting that the world is facing an increased threat of regressive thinking and extremism, Modi said countries that are using terrorism as a political tool have to understand that terrorism is an equally big threat to them.
“It is absolutely essential to ensure that Afghanistan’s territory is not used to spread terrorism and for terrorist activities,” he said. “We also need to ensure that no country tries to take advantage of the delicate situation in Afghanistan and use it for its own selfish interests.”
He said, the world must fulfil its duty by providing help to the people in war-torn Afghanistan where women, children and minorities are in need.
“The women and children of Afghanistan, the minorities of Afghanistan need help. And we must fulfil our duty by providing them with this help,” he said.
He said it is absolutely essential to ensure that Afghanistan’s territory is not used to spread terrorism and for terrorist attacks.
“We also need to be alert and ensure that no country tries to take advantage of the delicate situation there and use it as a tool for its own selfish interests,” Prime Minister Modi said without naming any country.
Modi said that oceans are also a shared heritage.
“Our oceans are also the lifeline of international trade. We must protect them from the race for expansion. The international community must speak in one voice to strengthen a rule-based world order,” he added.
