28, Feb 2019
Prelims level : International
Mains level : Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests
In News
- China and Russia agreed for a closer policy coordination to eradicate the breeding grounds of terrorism which is a significant gain for India in its push to isolate Pakistan internationally on the issue of terrorism post-Pulwama attack.
About:
- India on received support for its efforts to counter Pakistan-based terror groups from Russia and China, which said such organisations cannot be used for political goals and those committing terror attacks must be brought to justice.
- Their commitment came at the conclusion of the Russia, India and China Foreign Ministers’ meeting here in the east Chinese city.
- A joint communiqué issued after the meeting of the foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) strongly condemned terrorism and said the three sides “stressed that terrorist groups cannot be supported and used in political and geopolitical goals”.
- It said “those committing, orchestrating, inciting or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with existing international commitments on countering terrorism”, including the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Security Council resolutions and FATF standards. This action should be taken on the principle extradite or prosecute.
- The statement did not name Pakistan, though there was little doubt which country was being referred to in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack and India’s air strike on a Pakistani base of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which was blamed for the assault.
- External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj made a strong pitch for concerted international efforts to combat terror. She said she raised the Pulwama attack during meetings with her Russian and Chinese counterparts.
- She said, “We need a global strategy, global cooperation to counter terrorism. I am happy to tell you today we discussed the establishment of a UN-led global counter-terrorism mechanism and finalising CCIT (Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism) proposed by India.”
- Given the threat posed by terror, a strategy by India, Russia and China wouldn’t be enough to face the challenge. It’s not just a joint strategy but also our commitment. Terrorism is a threat to humanity, so a strategy by the three countries is not enough.
RIC:
- It is a trilateral grouping of Russia, India and China that has met annually since 2002. In recent years, it has functioned as complement to other frameworks involving three countries and including Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
RIC Summit:
- The discussions of meeting focused on regional security, issues affecting Asia-Pacific region, counter-terror efforts and coordination at regional and multilateral forums. The ministers reiterated importance trilateral format as platform to foster closer dialogue and practical cooperation in identified areas.
- The ministers released joint communiqué after meeting. They agreed to strengthen the trilateral dialogue for consultation and coordination on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
International and regional peace:
- They held that cooperation is conducive to maintaining international and regional peace, stability and promoting global economic growth and prosperity.
- They stressed for establishment of just and equitable international order based on international law and mutual respect, fairness and justice.
- They held that various crises in the world should be resolved in accordance with the international law.
Terrorism:
- The three nations also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed that all acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable irrespective of their motivations, committed wherever and by whomsoever.
Arms Race:
- They called for prevention of arms race in outer space for maintaining international peace and security.
- Russia and China reiterated that they welcome India’s participation in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.