Delhi, Beijing sign BRICS statement against terror

NEW DELHI: At the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting on Friday, India and China, notwithstanding the prevailing tension along the LAC, signed a joint statement on countering international terror and managing conflicts through dialogue. Delhi and Beijing utilised the meeting as confidence-building measure (CBM) ahead of a possible bilateral meet in Moscow next week. The five foreign ministers, without any reference to LAC, underlined the imperative of dialogue to address increasing international peace and security challenges through political and diplomatic means.

The ministers expressed concerns at the rise of violence and continuing conflicts in different parts of the world that have a significant impact at both the regional and international levels, according to a joint statement issued at end of meeting. “They concurred that, irrespective of their historic background and distinctive nature, conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means and diplomatic engagement through political dialogue and negotiations in line with principles and norms of international law, particularly the UN Charter.”

The BRICS meet would act as CBM as foreign minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi are expected to meet in Moscow between September 9 and 10, eyeing to reduce tensions along the LAC with Delhi emphasising on dialogue. Jaishankar also called for enhanced BRICS cooperation in countering terrorism.