The foreign ministers of India and Japan on Thursday came together to condemn the scourge of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, calling for immediate global action against all UN-listed terrorist entities and their proxies. The joint statement, released after a meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi, specifically named Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Al Qaeda, and ISIS as key targets of this action. These organizations, the statement underscored, pose a grave threat not only to regional stability but to global security as well.
India, Japan Highlight Pakistan’s Failure to Tackle Terrorism
The joint statement highlighted the failures of the Pakistan government to effectively tackle terrorism emanating from its soil. This, they said, was evident from the fact that several terrorist leaders and operatives, including those from the UN-listed entities, continue to operate with impunity within Pakistan. The two countries also emphasized the need for Pakistan to take concrete steps to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism, including the complete closure of UN-listed terrorist entities’ offices and training camps. This, they stressed, was crucial for creating an environment conducive to peace and stability in the region.
The joint statement also underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism. India and Japan, they said, would continue to work closely with other countries to disrupt the financing networks and supply chains of terrorist organizations. They also called for the implementation of the FATF action plan by Pakistan to prevent it from being placed on the grey list of countries with inadequate anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes.
India, Japan Stress Need for Global Action Against Terror
The joint statement emphasized the need for global action against all UN-listed terrorist entities and their proxies. India and Japan, they said, believed that a concerted international effort was necessary to disrupt the activities of these groups and to hold those responsible for their actions accountable. This, they stressed, would not only help to prevent terrorist attacks but also protect human rights and the rule of law.
The two countries also expressed their support for the ongoing efforts of the international community to combat terrorism. They welcomed the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2396, which aims to prevent the flow of foreign terrorist fighters and to counter terrorist propaganda online. They also called for the implementation of this resolution in a timely and effective manner.
India, Japan Condemn Pakistan’s Support for Terrorists
The joint statement condemned Pakistan’s continued support for terrorist groups. India and Japan, they said, believed that this support was a major obstacle to peace and stability in the region. They urged Pakistan to take concrete steps to dismantle its support infrastructure for terrorist groups and to bring those responsible for terrorism to justice.
The two countries also emphasized the need for Pakistan to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries. They called for an immediate end to Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups and for Pakistan to take concrete steps to prevent the use of its territory for terrorist activities.
In a strong message to Pakistan, the joint statement said that the international community would not tolerate support for terrorism in any form. Pakistan, they said, must take immediate and sustained action to address the menace of terrorism emanating from its soil.
The joint statement concluded by emphasizing the need for global unity in the fight against terrorism. India and Japan, they said, would continue to work closely with other countries to combat terrorism and to promote peace and stability in the region. They called on all countries to join them in this effort and to work together to create a safer and more secure world for all.
