Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has told Bejing that all terrorists are the same and they should be dealt with using the same principle – a reference to China’s obstruction of India’s bid to ban Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar at the UN.
Parrikar is in China for a five-day visit. During the visit, the Defence Minister raised India’s concerns about the presence of Chinese troops in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
India has criticised China for putting a “technical hold” on India’s bid in the UN to ban Pakistan-based Azhar for his involvement in the Pathankot terror attack.
Cannot Differentiate Among Terrorists, Says Parrikar
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar called for a review of China’s decision to veto Azhar’s ban.
India has told China “clearly” that there cannot be any differentiation among terrorists as all are the same, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Thursday.
Other crucial matters like boundary issues and setting up of a military hotline between DGMOs (Director Generals of Military Operations) of the two countries were also discussed.
I have expressed very clearly to them that there cannot be differentiation in terrorists. All terrorists are the same and they should be dealt with with the same principle, including the issue they had obstructed at the UN. They should also deal with it in the same manner.Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister, India
He underlined that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had raised the issue in a more detailed manner in her interaction with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
India’s UN Permanent Representative, Syed Akbaruddin spoke of “hidden veto” at a meeting at an open debate in UN Security Council on 16 April.
Doval Raises Azhar Issue with China
India and China had discussions on a variety of issues related to counterterrorism including Beijing’s blocking of India’s bid to ban Azhar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said on Thursday.
Doval, who wrapped up the 19th round of the two-day boundary talks, called on Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and discussed the outcome of the discussion with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.
Asked whether Masood Azhar issue was brought up, he said: “Yes, obviously when terrorism is discussed”.
Welcoming Doval, Li recalled his meeting with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar two days ago, during which the both sides discussed the progress in bilateral ties.
These meetings show smooth communication and close engagement between our two countries in political and security affairs. It also shows how both sides attach a great deal of importance to ensure steady growth of China-India relations.Li Keqiang, Chinese Premier
For its part, China continued to stick to its stand, saying that its decision is based on facts and fairness. On the talks over the boundary, Doval said both sides want peace and tranquility at the borders.
Pranab Mukherjee to Visit China in May
Meanwhile, NSA Ajit Doval announced on Thursday that President Pranab Mukherjee will be visiting China in May. The trip will set-off a series of high-level bilateral visits despite the glaring irritant in the relationship – China’s veto of India’s bid to ban Azhar.
The exact dates of the visit remain unknown but Mukherjee is expected to visit Beijing and the industrial city of Guangzhou. His visit will be followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Chinese city of Hangzhou to attend the G20 summit in September.
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