‘Recalcitrant’ nations must be disciplined: Pranab

In an apparent reference to Pakistan,India on Wednesday said the problem of terrorism becomes complex when 'recalcitrant' states do not recognise their international commitments and asked the world community to discipline such nations.

Drawing a parallel between the Mumbai attack and 9/11 strikes in the US,India on Wednesday said it was high time the world community disciplined recalcitrant states which allows the use of its territory for terror activities,an apparent reference to Pakistan.

“If state apparatus sponsors terrorism as an act of state policy,or a recalcitrant state refuses to recognise its international commitments and responsibilities on not allowing the use of (its) territory for terror activities,the problem becomes more complex and difficult,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.

“It is high time for the international community to recognise that such recalcitrant states must be brought to discipline by resorting to various international mechanisms,” he added.

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Mukherjee made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural edition of ‘The Delhi Dialogue’ between India and ASEAN countries.

“Terrorism is not just the act of misguided individuals or a small group. Since 9/11,the magnitude,depth,audacity of terror acts,as once again manifested in Mumbai attacks,demonstrate that this is no longer a problem of a state or of a region but of the whole world,” he said.

The External Minister said the recent Mumbai carnage had shown that both India and ASEAN will need to resolutely rebuff such evil attempts that strike the civilisational roots of the region.

“Our growing economic and political links will send a message that the terrorists’ designs will have to be defeated not just by India but by the international community as a whole,” Mukherjee said.

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