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Q.2217 Talks on terrorism
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2217
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2010
SHRI P.C. GADDIGOUDAR:
SHRI JAYARAM PANGI:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has held any official level talks with the neighbouring countries to prevent the terrorists and their activities against India from their territory;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of each of the countries in this regard;
(c) the steps taken by them/assured to take to check terrorism against India; and
(d) the extent to which it has helped India in tackling terrorism?
ANSWER THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)
(a) to (d) Government consistently takes up at various levels with governments of neighbouring countries the issue of use of their territories for terrorist/insurgent activities against India, and seeks their cooperation in curbing/eliminating the same.
Bangladesh: During the visit of BD Prime Minister to India in January 2010, Bangladesh reiterated that it would not allow its territory to be used for activities against India. We have recently witnessed enhanced cooperation from the Bangladesh side on this matter.
Myanmar: Government of Myanmar have also reiterated their stand that they would not allow their territory to be used for activities against India. At the India-Myanmar Home Secretary-level meeting held in January 2010, both sides resolved to cooperate closely on such security issues.
Sri Lanka and Maldives: India has held discussions with these countries to ensure that activities of terrorists and those inimical to India’s interests are prevented, and our security strengthened.
Pakistan: India has consistently emphasized, including at the highest level, the need to implement commitments given by leaders of Pakistan that it would not permit any territory under Pakistan’s control to be used to support terrorism against India in any manner. During the recent Foreign Secretary-level talks on February 25, 2010, Government clearly conveyed India’s concerns on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and directed against India. Further information on terrorist threats and activities against India was also handed over to the Pakistani side for investigation and appropriate action. Pakistan Foreign Secretary stated that Pakistan was determined not to allow its territory to be used for terrorist activity against any country.
Nepal: Security issues including counter-terrorism are discussed with Nepal at annual Home Secretary-level talks, Joint Working Group on Border Management and Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues. These issues are also regularly discussed at bilateral meetings at the highest levels. Measures have been taken to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly with regard to effective monitoring and management of the border. Concerned agencies of the two countries coordinate action regularly, including stepped up vigil along border districts, real-time exchange of information etc. Government of Nepal at the highest levels have assured all possible cooperation in addressing our security concerns and also assured that they would not allow Nepalese territory to be used for any activity against India.
Bhutan: Besides regular bi-annual meetings on border security & management both at Central and State levels, the issue of counter-terrorism is discussed during bilateral interactions. Bhutan has reiterated that it would not allow its territory to be used by forces inimical to India’s interest. This Ministry is not aware of any reported incident of terrorism against India from Bhutan in the recent past.
China: India and China have established a Dialogue Mechanism on Counter Terrorism, in which the two countries discuss cooperation in this area.