China must listen to voice of the world on terror: MEA on Azhar case

NEW DELHI: India, upset with China’s recent move to block UN resolution against Masood Azhar, on Wednesday hoped that “China as responsible nation understands double standards are simply self-defeating”.

Speaking at a mid-term press conference, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Wednesday said, “14 out of 15 UNSC members want action against Masood Azhar. There is one hold out. We hope this is the year that the hold out will disappear.”

Akbar added that India expects China “to hear the voice of the world and not just India.” Last week, reacting to the development, the MEA had said it expected China to be more understanding. This is not the first time that China has blocked the proposal.

On earlier occasions too, China had defended its second technical hold to prevent a UN ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar, saying there were “different views” on India’s application and that Beijing’s move will allow more time for the “relevant parties” to have consultations. When India reacted to this development, the Chinese Foreign

Ministry said the listing application member states submitted to the 1267 Committee of UN “must comply” with specific requirements of relevant resolutions of UN Security Council (UNSC). China wants India to directly negotiate with Pakistan on the Azhar case.

MoS VK Singh stressed that India’s relationship with China is driven by its national interests and pointed out that Delhi is trying to reduce its areas of differences with the neighbouring country.

“Our engagement with China is purely driven by our national interest. Certainly, there are areas of divergence with China but that happens in any matured relationship,” he said.