G20 to fight terror jointly

The recent terror attacks in Paris and the escalation of terror in the world is the point of focus at the G20 summit. Combating terror was already high on the agenda but in the aftermath of the terror attacks in Paris on 13 November, the attack has overshadowed other issues that are on the agenda of G20. The G20 has decided to fight terror jointly and has called for a comprehensive plan to combat terror.

“We will, of course, carry on with our discussions at the G20 Summit within the predetermined agenda; however, we will put a strong emphasis on having a firm stance on international terrorism,” Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. Adding to Mr Erdogan’s statement, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he would soon present a comprehensive plan to prevent violent extremism to the member states. China and Russia’s Presidents weren’t far behind either in condemning the recent terror attacks in Paris and stressed on the need for joint efforts to deal with international terrorism.

In his lead intervention at the G20, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “the leaders were united in condemning the barbaric attacks in Paris, the recent bombings in Ankara and Lebanon.”

India’s 10 point proposal to combat terror

Laying out a 10 point proposal to combat terror, India suggested to the G20 to work on these steps.

Without any political considerations the world must speak in one voice and act in unison against terrorism.
There should be no distinction between terrorist groups or discrimination between states.
We must isolate those who support and sponsor terrorism; and, stand with those who share our values of humanism.
We need to restructure the international legal framework to deal with the unique challenges of terrorism.
We should also adopt a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism without any delay.
International cooperation in intelligence and counter-terrorism should increase.
We should strengthen efforts to prevent supply of arms to terrorists, disrupt terrorist movements, and curb and criminalise terror financing.
We have to help each other secure our cyber space, and minimise use of internet and social media for terrorist activities.
We need to involve religious leaders, thinkers and opinion makers for a social movement against extremism, particularly addressed to the youth. This is needed most in countries where it is most prevalent.
We need to delink terror and religion and work together to counter radicalisation.

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