Pulwama terror attack: Guns boom on diplomatic front

India's diplomatic campaign continued for the 2nd day on Saturday even as expressions of strong condemnations continue to pour in from across the world. Around 50 countries have so far condemned the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Diplomats from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Central Asia, ASEAN, Africa & non-permanent members of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) were briefed at Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday.

The foreign secretary and secretaries strongly rejected the denial by Pakistan of its involvement in the attack & highlighting how Pakistan has been using terrorism as an instrument of its state policy.

The diplomats from over 15 countries were briefed about Pakistan's involvement in the terror attack and its continued support to terrorism by providing safe havens to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM). JEM has taken responsibility for the attack, worst in over 2 decades. An envoy, on condition of anonymity, said, "This time its much more than statements".

On Friday, India had briefed 25 ambassadors which were from P-5 (Permanent Five of the UNSC) countries, South Asian countries and countries like Japan, Germany, South Korea.

India's focus will now be on raising Pakistan's support to terror at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting that begins Sunday in Paris.

US BACKS INDIA'S RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENCE

Meanwhile, the US has said it will back India's "right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism". In a phone call, from US National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton to India's NSA Ajit Doval, Washington "offered all assistance to India to bring the perpetrators and backers of the attack promptly to justice", an MEA release said.

Both the NSAs "vowed to work together" to ensure Pakistan "cease to be a safe haven" for Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) and other terrorist groups.