Need to discipline recalcitrant states: Pranab

In an apparent reference to Pakistan, India on Wednesday said the problem of terrorism becomes complex when "recalcitrant" states do not recognise their international commitments and asked the world community to discipline such nations.

"It clearly spells out that if a state apparatus sponsors terrorism as an act of state policy, or a recalcitrant state refuses to recognise its international commitments and responsibilities on not allowing the use of (its) territory for terror activities, the problem becomes more complex and difficult," external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee said.

He was making the keynote address at the inaugural edition of 'The Delhi Dialogue' between India and ASEAN countries.    

Comparing the magnitude of the Mumbai attack to the September 11 terror strikes in the US, he said terrorism today is not just an act of misguided individuals or a small group.

"Therefore it is high time for the international community to recognise that such recalcitrant states must be brought to discipline by resorting to various international
mechanisms," Mukherjee said.

The external minister said the recent Mumbai carnage had shown that both India and ASEAN will need to resolutely rebuff such evil attempts that strike the civilisational roots of the region.    

"Our growing economic and political links will send a message that the terrorists' designs will have to be defeated not just by India but by the international community as a
whole," Mukherjee said.