BRICS-BIMSTEC 2016: Leaders support India's call for intensified joint efforts to combat terrorism

Leaders of the BRICS-BIMSTEC countries were unanimous in condemning terrorism and supported India's calls for intensified joint efforts to combat the menace on Sunday.

Speaking at the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit, held at Mobor in Cavelossim, 50 kms from Panaji, after the 8th BRICS Summit concluded on Sunday, many leaders also condemned the Uri terror attack. Myanmarese leader Aung San Suu Kyi said both groupings need to make partnerships not just for opportunities but for tackling challenges as well. "Our region is facing numerous threats, including rising terrorism and violent extremism," she said, adding that one needs to explore causes of extremism which is root cause of terrorism.

Condemning the Uri attack, she said, "We know too well the cost of conflict. We would like our world to be a kinder world." "I have wanted my country to be a part of a more progressive world, not just a material world but a more progressive human world," she said. Suu Kyi also highlighted the issue of human trafficking and said, "We must save millions from being trapped under human trafficking. We need to intensify global efforts to combat this."

Russian President Vladmir Putin, who did not speak about terrorism at the BRICS meet, came out strongly against the menace at the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet. "We want to fight terrorism together. We will all collectively work on it," he said.

Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' also laid stress on countering terror and said, "We must fight terror on all fronts." He also emphasised greater use of green and clean energy for development.

Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the late king of Thailand. "We have lost a wise man and a friend of people," she said. She congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing BRICS-BIMSTEC leaders on a single table. "We need to adopt technologies to cope with challenges of climate change," she said. 

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said terrorism remains a great threat to human peace. "Our host India has in the recent past suffered several terror attacks. Bhutan is behind India in fight against terror," he said. He rued that even though BIMSTEC turns 20 next year, its full potential remains untapped. "Together, BRICS and BIMSTEC are home to half of humanity. The synergies of our groups have the potential to impact the whole world," he said. Tobgay also complimented the leadership shown by India, China and Brazil to ratify the Paris climate change accord. "Countries can work together to address climate change," he said, adding BRICS can inspire and motivate countries to fight climate change.

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena said the centre of global power is shifting to Asia. Peace and stability in the region is an essential element of economic prosperity, he said. 

Deputy Foreign Minister of Thailand said BRICS and BIMSTEC are a new force in global arena. He thanked the leaders gathered in Goa for their tributes to the late Thai king.