India's National Security Adviser Calls for Accountability on Cross-Border Terrorism

Strategic Insights -

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval emphasized the need for SCO member states to abandon double standards in combating terrorism, urging them to hold accountable perpetrators and sponsors of cross-border terror. Speaking at a meeting of the SCO Security Council Secretaries in Beijing, Doval highlighted the threat from terror groups sanctioned by the UN Security Council, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), al-Qaeda, and Islamic State. He called for decisive action against terrorists proscribed by the UN and groups such as LeT and JeM, as well as the dismantling of their terror eco-systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval emphasized the need for SCO member states to abandon double standards in combating terrorism, urging them to hold accountable perpetrators and sponsors of cross-border terror.
  • Doval highlighted India's deep concern at the continued threat from terror groups sanctioned by the UN Security Council, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), al-Qaeda, and Islamic State and their affiliates.
  • Doval called for decisive action against terrorists proscribed by the UN, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, and the dismantling of their terror eco-systems.
  • India is seeking the support of SCO member states for important proposals to combat terrorism, including an "algorithm of joint actions" to counter challenges posed by international terrorist groups.
  • The meeting of the security officials was part of the preparations for the SCO Summit to be hosted by China later in the year.

Statistics:

  • 26 people, including a Nepali national, were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba on April 22.
  • India conducted military strikes on terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan on May 7, following the Pahalgam terror attack.
  • Four days of intense clashes between India and Pakistan were triggered by the military strikes, before the two sides reached an understanding to halt military actions on May 10.
  • The SCO includes 8 member states: China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times
  • HT Digital Content Services
  • The Line of Actual Control (LAC)
  • The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
  • The Resistance Front (TRF)
  • Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
  • Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
  • al-Qaeda
  • Islamic State