Grateful to Countries for Support: Indian UN Ambassador on Azhar

The United Nations on 1 May, designated Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin, representative image.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@AkbaruddinIndia)

In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations on Wednesday, 1 May, designated Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief.

Reacting to the UN’s decision, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin said that India is grateful to countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France and several others in and outside the council for their support.

A UNSC designation will subject Azhar to an assets freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo.

“This is for us a significant outcome because we have been at it for several years. The first effort that we made in this regard was in 2009. More recently, we have been persistently diligent and in a subterranean manner making all our efforts towards this goal. Today that goal stands achieved.”

Syed Akbaruddin

(Catch all the live updates on Maood Azhar here)

"All in all it's been a happy day, a good day for all this who would like to pursue the approach of zero tolerance for terrorism," he added.

Azhar's Listing is Step In Right Direction: MEA

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs reacting to the sanctions on Masood Azhar said it is a step in the right direction.

"The 1267 Sanctions Committee’s decision to designate the leader of JeM, Masood Azhar, as a UN-proscribed terrorist is a step in the right direction to demonstrate the international community’s resolve to fight against terrorism and its enablers. We welcome the decision," the statement read.

It further added that India will continue with its efforts through international forums to ensure that terrorist organisations and their leaders who cause harm to citizens are brought to justice.