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.
