Ottawa: In a clear message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told G7 leaders that India's neighborhood has become a breeding ground for terrorism, and turning a blind eye towards the challenge would be a "betrayal of humanity".
Seeking action against Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, Modi said the April 22 Pahalgam attack was a direct attack on the "soul, identity, and dignity" of every Indian, and added that any country that supports terrorism must be held accountable and made to pay the price.
In an address at a G7 outreach session in Kananaskis, Canada, he questioned whether those spreading terror and those who suffer from it be "weighed on the same scale".
"Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. It stands in opposition to all nations that uphold democratic values. Unity in the fight against terrorism is imperative," Modi said. "Unfortunately, our own neighborhood has become a breeding ground for terrorism."
"For the sake of global peace and prosperity, our thinking and our policies must be extremely clear - any country that supports terrorism must be held accountable and made to pay the price," he said.
Modi said the reality is quite the opposite. "On the one hand, we are quick to impose various sanctions based on our own preferences and interests. On the other hand, nations that openly support terrorism continue to be rewarded," he added.
He called for decisive global action in dealing with terrorism. "If we don’t take decisive action today against this terrorism that stands against humanity, history will never forgive us," he said. "Turning a blind eye towards terrorism for the sake of vested interests, or extending support to terror or terrorists, is a betrayal of all humanity," he added.
The prime minister said there must be no place for double standards when it comes to terrorism. Underlining that India has always acted in the interest of humanity, rising above its own self-interest, Modi said India will continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation with the G7 on all matters in the future as well.
