India calls for collective global action against terror

NEW DELHI - Highlighting the growing global profile of India and its ongoing stint at the UN Security Council, President Pratibha Patil Tuesday called upon the international community to take collective steps to eradicate terrorism and stressed on New Delhi’s dialogue with its neighbours to create stability in the region.

“Terrorism poses the single most detrimental threat to the progress of humankind,” Patil said in her address to the nation on the eve of the 62nd Republic Day.

“There is a crucial need for concerted action by all members of the international community to eradicate the threat of terrorism,” she said.

“India’s profile in global affairs is the focus of international attention today,” Patil said.

“As India assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, it will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues,” she added.

India entered the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member Jan 1, 2011, for a two-year term.

India’s permanent representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri was elected chair of the UN counter-terrorism council, a UN body that leads transnational efforts to combat terrorism.

In an all-embracing speech, the president stressed that development and progress required an environment of stability and security.

“The work of our police and internal security agencies is critical in this field, as also is our cooperation and dialogue with our neighbours for stability in our region, and with the international community to create a peaceful world,” she said, witout mentioning Pakistan.