Why in news?
The recent BRICS summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen has designated certain groups as terror organisations.
What are the highlights?
- A joint statement released at the BRICS summit expressed concern on the regional security situation.
- BRICS grouping has unequivocally named Pakistan-based groups Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as terror organisations.
- The statement has listed the Taliban, IS/Daesh, Al-Qaeda and its affiliates as sources of violence.
What is the significance of this?
- The move brings out a shift in China’s position in terms of its relations with Pakistan and its policy of protecting Pakistan based groups..
- This is because China had earlier blocked a move at the U.N.’s Sanctions Committee to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.
- This went against the efforts of India, as India holds Azhar responsible for many terrorist acts in India.
- The recent gesture by China gains significance as it is expected to translate into China removing its block on designating the Masood Azhar as a U.N. Security Council sanctioned terrorist.
- Besides, a key irritant in ties between New Delhi and Beijing is seen to be removed.
- Also, the designation is seen as a larger effort to address the issue of global extremism.
What is the way forward?
- The move should aim at bringing in greater efficiency in designation of terrorists and terror groups by the United Nations Committee on terrorism.
- China's stand must be reinforced by a bilateral commitment on terrorism between India and China.
- China must reflect its change of policy in groups like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) also and take forward its new role in the region.
Source: The Hindu
