Hear world’s voice on terror, India tells China

New Delhi: New Delhi exhorted Beijing to hear the “voice of the world” in dealing with terrorism, hoping that as a “responsible and a mature” nation, it would understand the “double standards” and “simply self-defeating and suicidal” approach of Pakistan to terrorism. India was clearly referring to China’s blocking of UN designating JeM chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist.

Delhi also said it hoped to be able to persuade China to understand the “depth and evil” of the menace of terrorism.

Referring to Pakistan’s support to terror, the ministry of external affairs said, “We really do expect China to hear the voice of the world, not just the voice of India on terrorism.”

The MEA added that “terrorism is a snake that bites the hand that feeds it” and that Beijing needs to understand the reality. Hoping to persuade China to reverse its position on Azhar, the MEA also said, “If we do not recognise the dangers of terrorism, we might hurt others a bit but we will wound ourselves far more.”

“China has its own problem of terrorism. China recognises it. China addresses them in bilateral agreements. We hope and are sure that China can be persuaded to see the depth and evil of the menace,” the MEA said, adding India will continue to point out “absurdity” of the decision of the 1267 sanctions committee of the UN to not designate Azhar a global terrorist (due to the Chinese veto).

The MEA pointed out that only China blocked India’s move.