Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
I stand before you today to address a challenge that transcends borders, cultures, and ideologies: the scourge of terrorism. For decades, this insidious evil has cast a long shadow, leaving behind a trail of shattered lives and broken communities. India, a nation that has borne the brunt of this menace firsthand, comes to this esteemed platform with a clarion call: zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Terrorism thrives in the dark alleys of intolerance, fueled by the poisonous fumes of hatred and extremism. It knows no religion, no ethnicity, no nationality. It strikes at the very heart of humanity, tearing apart the fabric of our societies and jeopardizing the very foundation of peace and progress.
India has witnessed the chilling reality of terror firsthand. From the Mumbai attacks of 2008 to the Pulwama bombing of 2019, we have seen the devastating impact of this evil on innocent lives. The scars of these attacks run deep, a constant reminder of the fragility of peace and the urgent need for global action.
But India has not been cowed. We have met each act of terror with unwavering resolve, demonstrating the strength of our democracy and the resilience of our spirit. We have built robust counter-terrorism measures, strengthened our security apparatus, and worked tirelessly to dismantle terror networks both within and beyond our borders.
However, the fight against terrorism cannot be won alone. It demands a united global front, a chorus of voices rising in unison against this common enemy. This is why India has consistently advocated for a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, one that addresses not just the symptoms but also the root causes.
Here are the pillars upon which India believes this global fight must rest:
Zero Tolerance: There can be no shades of grey in the fight against terrorism. All acts of terror, irrespective of their motivation or perpetrators, must be condemned unequivocally and met with the full force of the law.
Collective Action: No single nation can defeat this hydra-headed monster alone. Robust international cooperation in intelligence sharing, capacity building, and financial sanctions is crucial to dismantle terror networks and disrupt their funding channels.
Combating Radicalization: The fertile ground for terrorism is often nurtured by ideologies of hatred and intolerance. We must collectively combat radicalization in all its forms, promoting tolerance, respect for diversity, and critical thinking skills among our youth.
Addressing State Sponsorship: States that harbor, support, or provide safe havens for terrorists must be held accountable. The international community must work together to isolate these rogue nations and ensure that they face the full consequences of their actions.
Justice for Victims: The fight against terrorism is not just about defeating perpetrators; it is also about upholding the rights and dignity of victims. We must ensure that survivors receive justice, support, and avenues for rehabilitation.
India is committed to playing its part in this global endeavor. We have actively participated in counter-terrorism initiatives like the Financial Action Task Force and the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee. We have hosted international conferences on terrorism and shared our expertise with countries facing similar challenges.
Mr. President,
The path to a world free from terrorism is long and arduous. But we must not falter. We must remember the innocent lives lost, the families shattered, and the communities scarred. We must draw strength from the resilience of the human spirit and our shared humanity.
Let us come together, nations of the world, and pledge our unwavering commitment to “zero tolerance” for terrorism. Let us build a world where peace reigns, where children can sleep soundly, and where the future is filled with hope, not fear.
Together, we can defeat this evil and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for all.
Thank you.
