India Calls for “Isolate and Expose” Policy at SCO Summit to Combat Terrorism

India, at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, issued a strong call to member states to adopt a “isolate and expose” policy towards nations that harbor terrorists. This call comes amidst growing concerns over the rise of terrorism across the region, with India being a particularly vulnerable target.

A Growing Threat:

Terrorism poses a serious threat to the stability and security of the SCO region. According to data from the Global Terrorism Database, there were over 1,000 terrorist attacks in the SCO region between 2015 and 2020. These attacks resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, and caused significant economic disruption.

India’s Concerns:

India has long been a victim of cross-border terrorism, with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operating from neighboring countries. These groups have carried out numerous attacks on Indian soil, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack.

The Need for Collective Action:

India’s call for a “isolate and expose” policy is a crucial step towards addressing the threat of terrorism in the region. This policy would involve:

• Identifying and isolating nations that provide safe havens to terrorists.

• Exposing these nations’ support for terrorist activities.

• Imposing sanctions and other measures to deter their support.

Case Study: Pakistan:

Pakistan has been repeatedly accused of harboring and supporting terrorist groups like LeT and JeM. These groups operate with impunity from Pakistani territory, carrying out attacks in India and other countries. Despite international pressure, Pakistan has failed to take decisive action against these groups, leading to concerns about its commitment to combating terrorism.

The Way Forward:

The SCO summit provided a valuable platform for member states to discuss and coordinate their efforts against terrorism. India’s call for a “isolate and expose” policy is a practical and effective strategy to combat this growing threat. By working together, SCO member states can create a safer and more stable environment for all.

Key Takeaways:

• Terrorism remains a significant threat to the SCO region.

• India is particularly vulnerable to cross-border terrorism.

• A “isolate and expose” policy is crucial to address the threat of terrorism.

• SCO member states need to work together to combat terrorism effectively.