Jaishankar at India–Arab meeting: 'Societies targeted by terrorism have right to defend themselves'

Jaishankar calls for zero tolerance terrorism

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday urged a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, underlining that cross-border terror was unacceptable and that communities facing such threats were entitled to defend themselves.

Speaking at the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Jaishankar linked regional stability in West Asia and North Africa to stronger cooperation between India and Arab states. “Where Libya is concerned, all of us have an interest in advancing the national dialogue process. The direction of events in Syria is also critical for the well-being of the region. Contemplating this multitude of challenges, our shared interests warrant strengthening forces of stability, peace and prosperity,” he said.

He warned that terrorism continued to pose a common challenge across regions. “A common threat to these objectives in both our regions is terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Cross-border terrorism is particularly unacceptable as it violates the basic principles of international relations and diplomacy. Societies targeted by terrorism have the right to defend themselves and will understandably exercise it. It is essential that we strengthen international cooperation to combat this global scourge. Zero tolerance for terrorism must be an uncompromising universal norm,” the External Affairs Minister said.

Jaishankar’s reference to Libya pointed to internationally backed attempts to revive a long-stalled political reconciliation process in the conflict-scarred country, which remains split between rival governments and armed groups.

His remarks were made during the meeting attended by Arab foreign ministers, as highlighted in footage shared by Press Trust of India (PTI).

On Syria, Jaishankar’s comments come against the backdrop of significant developments after years of civil war and fragmentation. Syria’s central government has recently reached a framework understanding with Kurdish forces to gradually bring their military and civilian institutions under state control, signalling a move towards reunification.

The arrangement includes a ceasefire, phased integration of Kurdish-led forces into the national army, and the restoration of government authority over administrative bodies and border crossings in the north-east. Kurdish groups had controlled large areas for years after spearheading the fight against the Islamic State with support from a US-led coalition.

The United States has played a key role in facilitating talks between Damascus and Kurdish leaders, indicating that its partnership with Kurdish forces during the anti-IS campaign has largely run its course, and that a political settlement is now seen as essential to prevent fresh instability.