States Using Cross-border Terrorism Must be Isolated, Says Pranab in Nepal

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Following the Uri attack in which 18 soldiers were killed, India had called for a boycott of SAARC, a move that was backed by Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday strongly condemned the use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy. In a clear reference to Pakistan, he said: “The international community must work unitedly to thwart and isolate those who use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy and no state should be allowed to sponsor or harbor perpetrators of cowardly acts of terror.” The President was speaking at an event organized by a think tank in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Cross-border terrorism and SAARC figured prominently in the discourse during President’s three-day visit to Nepal. In his interview with two Nepali newspapers, Pranab Mukherjee said, “India continues to attach importance to cooperation within SAARC framework. However, no cooperation can take place in an environment of terror.”

The President’s statements come at a time when Pakistan has been regularly violating the ceasefire and provoking Indian forces. In fact, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup, “two-thirds of ceasefire violations by Pakistan this year have taken place in the last five weeks.”

Following the Uri attack in which 18 soldiers were killed, India had called for a boycott of SAARC, a move that was backed by Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Since then at every international forum, Prime Minister Modi has been trying to isolate Pakistan for its use of terror against India.

Without trying to undermine SAARC, the President called for enhancing cooperation in BIMSTEC and BBIN. Speaking about the Motor Vehicles agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, he said: “The arrangement would allow smooth movement of goods and contribute significantly to the common goal of economic development in the region. The success of this sub-regional cooperation mechanism could make it a model for further initiatives.”

President Pranab Mukherjee also tried clearing all misunderstandings among the Nepali political leadership and its people due to the four-month-long economic blockade. He said, “A united, stable and peaceful Nepal was in India’s interest.”

“India and Nepal’s security interests were interlinked; we must continue to consult and coordinate closely to safeguard our shared security interests.”