India Calls for Global Unity Against Terrorism at 7th CICA Summit
At the 7th CICA Summit in Baku, India calls for unity against cross-border terrorism and insists on respect for national sovereignty in connectivity projects.
In a powerful appeal for regional security and mutual respect, India has urged the member states of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to stand united against all forms of terrorism. Speaking at the 7th CICA Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, India underscored that the fight against cross-border terrorism is essential for the stability of the continent.
A Firm Stance on Sovereignty and Connectivity
Leading the Indian delegation, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh addressed the plenary session with a clear message regarding regional infrastructure. He emphasized that while connectivity is key to growth, it cannot come at the cost of a nation's independence.
According to a release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Minister Singh insisted that all regional connectivity projects must adhere to four critical pillars:
- Transparency: Projects must be open and clear in their operations.
- Financial Viability: Economic sustainability must be ensured.
- Inclusivity: Benefits should be shared broadly.
- Respect for Sovereignty: Projects must strictly respect the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of all member states.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: A Vision for Peace
Taking to social media platform X, Minister Singh shared that his address was guided by the ancient Indian philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", which translates to "The World is One Family." He positioned this vision as the primary guiding principle for fostering friendship, cooperation, and peace while countering shared regional challenges.
The Minister reiterated India's commitment to inclusive multilateral cooperation, arguing that the most effective way to address regional hurdles is through consensus-based engagement and a collective effort to dismantle terrorist networks.
The Baku Declaration and the Future of Asia
The summit culminated in the adoption of the Baku Declaration. This landmark document highlights the strategic importance of digitalization, sustainable growth, and enhanced connectivity as primary tools for building confidence and promoting development across Asia.
As a founding member of CICA, India reaffirmed its dedication to the forum, viewing it as a vital platform for dialogue and consensus-building in a complex geopolitical landscape.
What is CICA?
The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia is a multinational forum designed to enhance security, harmony, and cooperation across the Asian continent. It operates on the premise that regional security is inextricably linked to global stability.
The initiative was first proposed in 1992 by Kazakhstan's founding President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, during the 47th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Today, the grouping includes a diverse array of nations, including:
- India, Russia, China, and South Korea.
- Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
- Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
- Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.
- Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.
India's active participation in the Baku summit reinforces its strategic objective of promoting a secure Asia where collective action against terrorism and respect for international borders remain paramount.