External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that although China blocked banning JeM chief Masood Azhar, India has a worldwide support on the issue of terror. The Minister asserted that India had secured “unprecedented support” from the international community for listing the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief under the UN Sanctions Committee.

China for the fourth time on 13th March 2019 blocked the bid in the UN Security Council to designate the chief of the Pakistan-based terror group as a “global terrorist” by putting a ‘technical hold’ on the proposal. The Chinese move was termed “disappointing” by India.

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL:

• It is one of the 6 principal organs of the United Nations (UN), charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.
• Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, international sanctions and the authorization of military actions through Security Councils resolutions.
• It was formed in 1945 and held its first session in 1946.
• Members = 5 permanent members + 10 non-permanent members.
• Permanent members = China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.
• Any one of the 5 permanent members have the power of veto, that enables them to prevent the adoption of any “substantive” draft council resolution, regardless of its level of international support.

ANALYSIS:

In case of Masood Azhar, there have been 4 attempts to put him in the UN Security Council’s counter-terrorism list. But all the attempts were vetoed by China stating ‘lack of evidence’.

A possible reason for China’s veto in Masood Azhar case may be its relations and growing investments in Pakistan. China has the project of “China Pakistan Economic Corridor” (CPEC).

But the global opinion of tackling terrorism and in particular declaring Masood Azhar as a global terrorist has been getting stronger. This as a process is a positive sign from India’s perspective.

Pakistan is already in the Grey list of Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This can be a pressure point for China as will seek for presidency of FATF this year.

If Pakistan is put in the Black List of FATF, it can affect its economy a lot.

India’s External Affairs Minister was recently invited at Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Pakistan was seen absent in the meeting. It shows India’s growing global influence and support in its fight against terrorism.

India’s recent air strike in the Balakot was a strong signal to Pakistan to control terrorism.

India also has a strong Naval base and any strikes in Maritime domain can affect ports like Gwadar and Karachi. This will be a loss to China also due to its investments there.

India had taken a strong stand during the Doklam issue and that put a pressure on China. India shall continue such stands firmly to protect its territories.

CONCLUSION:

India’s support and stand at international forums has been increasing as a continuous process in its fights against terrorism. It shall continue to take a stand firm to control the menace.