Srinagar, Oct 13 (KNO): Asserting that there is no scope for terrorist “safe havens” in India, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday called for stronger regional cooperation among BIMSTEC member countries to combat terrorism, disrupt terror financing and prevent terrorist networks from establishing their bases in any nation.
Addressing the first meeting of home ministers of the seven-member regional grouping in New Delhi, Shah, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) urged countries to strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms and coordinate their efforts against terrorist networks, organised crime and cross-border activities.
He said India follows a policy of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and called on member countries to ensure that their territories are not used to harbour, recruit or train terrorists, raise funds or plan activities against neighbouring states.
“India has always adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism,” Shah said, stressing that the security arrangements of each member country should contribute to the security of others.
He called for the timely exchange of verified and actionable intelligence on terrorists, their associates, financial channels and cross-border networks to strengthen regional security.
HM Shah also urged member countries to cooperate on mutual legal assistance and extradition, in accordance with their domestic laws and applicable agreements, to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
The Union Home Minister said terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking were interconnected challenges that required coordinated action across the region.
He called for a “whole-of-region approach” to tackle narcotics smuggling, pointing out that proceeds from the illegal drug trade could be used to finance organised crime and terrorist activities.
“The diversion of precursor chemicals and financial transactions conducted through the dark web has made the challenge more complex, requiring closer cooperation among law enforcement agencies,” he said.
The Union Home Minister also sought coordinated efforts to combat human trafficking, cybercrime and financial fraud, and called for stronger information-sharing mechanisms to address emerging security threats.
On India's approach to relations with neighbouring countries, Shah said New Delhi believed in respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country and resolving differences peacefully. “India has never believed in attacking any country or establishing dominance over them,” he said.
The meeting comes as BIMSTEC seeks to strengthen security cooperation alongside its broader regional agenda. The grouping comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The BIMSTEC provides a platform for cooperation among countries in and around the Bay of Bengal, with security, counterterrorism and transnational crime among the areas requiring coordination.
The Union Home Minister urged member countries to translate their shared commitments into practical cooperation to prevent terrorist networks and criminal organisations from exploiting national borders and gaps in enforcement—(KNO)