Kampala (Uganda), Oct 16 - India emphasized its stance on terrorism at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting on Thursday. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, urged NAM member states to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, warning that any support or justification of such acts could have dire consequences for those involved.
Singh highlighted the ongoing threat posed by terrorism, which he described as a "shared threat" necessitating deeper international collaboration. He reminded attendees of India's long history as a victim of cross-border terrorism, referencing the tragic events of April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where innocent tourists were killed.
The minister expressed concern over the actions of certain UN Security Council members during deliberations on the Pahalgam attack. He noted that a particular state defended the perpetrators, The Resistance Front, by attempting to remove any reference to them, indirectly pointing to Pakistan. Singh also hinted at China’s support of Pakistan’s stance.
He called for the NAM to unequivocally condemn any form of terrorism, stressing that states should not allow terrorists to operate with impunity or be lauded by officials. Singh broadened his critique to include climate change, debt sustainability, and other global challenges. He stated that the current global governance system reflects a post-World War II reality that needs updating.
According to Singh, the NAM platform should further the Global South's aspirations by advocating for fair economic practices, reliable supply chains, and a modern understanding of international conflicts and trade. He emphasized the need for Reformed Multilateralism, particularly concerning the UN Security Council and international financial institutions.
He also addressed climate change, advocating for equitable and predictable financing for adaptation and mitigation efforts. Furthermore, Singh called for the destigmatization of the movement of skilled professionals while clamping down on illegal migration, highlighting its importance in harnessing the demographic dividend.
As a founding member of NAM, India has committed itself to sharing its developmental experiences with partner countries to achieve shared global prosperity. Singh reaffirmed India's dedication to NAM's principles and expressed a commitment to revitalizing the movement with cooperation from other countries.
Currently, the Non-Aligned Movement includes 120 member states, 18 observer countries, and 10 observer organizations.
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