New Delhi, October 14: BIMSTEC countries have strongly condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and agreed to strengthen cooperation against security threats across the Bay of Bengal region.
The commitment was outlined in the Delhi Declaration, adopted at the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting brought together representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Member countries pledged sustained action against terrorism and violent extremism that leads to terrorism, in keeping with the United Nations Charter and international law. They also expressed solidarity with victims of terrorist attacks and their families, and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
The declaration called for implementation of agreed action plans against human trafficking, drug trafficking and money laundering. It also urged members to complete an action plan on countering radicalisation and terrorism and put the BIMSTEC agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters into practice.
Addressing the gathering, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated India’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. He called for closer regional cooperation to disrupt terror financing and organised crime, and prevent terrorist networks from finding shelter in the region.
The participating countries recognised that threats such as cybercrime, arms smuggling, human trafficking and money laundering require a coordinated response. They reaffirmed their commitment to regional security cooperation based on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
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