In what augurs well for India’s on-going efforts to keep the international community’s focus on the issue of terrorism, the G20 leaders at the virtual summit of the grouping remained united in “condemnation of terrorism in the backdrop of the West Asia conflict. Addressing a press briefing following the conclusion of the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, “Many leaders spoke about escalating Gaza situation in the Middle East, and what we heard really was condemnation of terrorism, expression of deep concern over the loss of civilian lives, calls for extending timely and adequate humanitarian assistance, not allowing the conflict to spread, and finding a long-term solution for the Palestine issue.”
In fact, it is a diplomatic achievement for India that leaders from around the globe at the G20 Virtual Summit expressed their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism apart from expressing concern over the tragic loss of civilian lives. This comes as a shot in the arm for the Indian diplomatic establishment which has been making consistent efforts to ensure that the international community’s focus does not get diverted from the issue of terrorism amidst the on-going Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine conflict. While referring to Israel-Hamas war at the opening session of the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it a point to ensure that leaders’ focus continues to be also on terrorism and sincere global fight against the menace. In his opening remarks, PM Modi asserted that terrorism is “unacceptable” and said that India is ready to walk along with member countries of G20 in combating terrorism in all its forms. He also added that death of civilians in any manner is condemnable. This way, Modi highlighted two key points. One, the Indian leader gave a message to the G20 leaders that they should speak in one voice while condemning terrorism. Two, the international community must go beyond condemning terror, which means that it must take action against the menace without any discrimination and prejudice. In a display of its commitment to eliminate terrorists, the world community should fight shoulder to shoulder to defeat terrorism. In a similar message, PM Modi a month ago told Parliament Speakers from various countries that Parliament across the world must work together to fight terrorism. He had made this remark while addressing the inaugural session of the ninth G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) in New Delhi last month. Modi then also remarked “The world is also realising how big a challenge terrorism is for the globe and that it is against humanity. Parliaments in the world and their representatives have to think how to work together in this fight against terrorism.” PM Modi’s remarks seeking global action against terrorism should actually be seen as part of India’s consistent diplomatic efforts to convey a strong message to the international community that what it is doing in terms of fighting terrorism is not enough. Mere verbal outbursts of leaders against terrorism at one forum or other are not enough. The commitment to combat terror must be seen in action. This is exactly what the Indian side sought to underline and spotlight during the G20 Leaders’ virtual Summit this week. T So the collective condemnation of terrorism in the background of Hamas terror attack against Israel came from the summit in what should be seen as a positive result of India’s efforts at the various diplomatic levels. Nothing could explain the sense of satisfaction in India more than the words of Jaishankar who said, “What we really heard was condemnation of terrorism.” India successfully conveyed the message to the global community that amid the Middle East conflict, the countries should not forget that the terrorism is the core issue that needs to be addressed and tackled on priority basis. That nobody is immune to terror is a message that the global community should read into the developments in every conflict resulting from terror attacks. “Your terrorists” and “my terrorists” approach will not serve any purpose. Entire world must work together to eliminate terror outfits no matter where they are and whom they target.