Terrorism as a Perennial Threat: Jaishankar Calls for Zero Tolerance at G20

At the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, delivered a compelling call to the international community, urging nations to adopt a policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism. He emphasized that terrorism is not a temporary crisis but a persistent disruptor of peace, stability, and global development, requiring consistent and decisive action from all nations.

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Terrorism: A Persistent Challenge

Jaishankar highlighted the enduring nature of terrorism, describing it as a threat that continuously undermines peace and development worldwide. He asserted that efforts to combat terrorism are a service to the international community, reinforcing global security and stability. The minister also criticized the selective application of sanctions, noting that inconsistent policies can exacerbate scarcity and hinder progress, especially in vulnerable nations.

In his remarks, Jaishankar stressed that countries capable of engaging both sides of a conflict have a critical role to play in promoting peace. He warned that ongoing conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, have far-reaching consequences on energy, food, and fertilizer supply chains, disproportionately affecting the Global South. These disruptions underscore the urgent need for a unified and principled global approach to terrorism and conflict resolution.

The Role of Global Governance and Institutional Reform

The minister also addressed the limitations of current multilateral institutions in effectively managing complex global crises. He pointed out that organizations such as the United Nations require reform to ensure they remain representative, efficient, and responsive to contemporary challenges. Jaishankar emphasized that institutional inertia and outdated structures often hinder timely action, leaving vulnerable nations exposed to disproportionate risks.

He called on G20 nations to assume special responsibility for shaping the international agenda, advocating diplomacy, economic and energy security, and coordinated action against terrorism. Strengthening multilateral cooperation, he argued, is essential not only for combating terrorism but also for maintaining global stability and promoting equitable development.

India’s Strategic Response

Jaishankar’s statements resonate within the broader context of India’s recent counterterrorism initiatives. Operations such as Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev have targeted key terrorist operatives and networks, demonstrating India’s willingness to adopt decisive measures against threats. These operations, combined with diplomatic engagement and advocacy for international sanctions against terrorist groups, reflect a dual strategy of military deterrence and global cooperation.

India has also intensified its diplomatic efforts to highlight state-sponsored terrorism and garner international support for a principled approach to global security. By aligning military action with institutional advocacy, India aims to lead both by example and through multilateral engagement, reinforcing the message of zero tolerance toward terrorism.

The Broader Global Context

Terrorism today is complex and multifaceted, involving sophisticated networks, cross-border sanctuaries, and digital radicalization. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that combines intelligence, legal measures, military action, social resilience, and human rights protection. Institutional reform, enhanced multilateral cooperation, and consistent global policies are essential to ensure that counterterrorism efforts are effective, fair, and sustainable.

The MGMM Outlook

At the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, reinforced India’s stance that terrorism is a continuous and evolving threat, not a temporary crisis. He urged the international community to adopt a policy of zero tolerance toward all forms of terrorism, emphasizing that inconsistent or selective measures only worsen global instability. Highlighting the broader consequences of ongoing conflicts, including disruptions to energy, food, and fertilizer supply chains, Jaishankar stressed the disproportionate impact on the Global South. He also called attention to the urgent need for reform in multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, to ensure timely and representative responses to complex crises.

India’s approach, as reflected in operations like Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, combines decisive counterterrorism actions with diplomatic advocacy for a principled global stance. By integrating military deterrence with international engagement, India seeks to lead by example while promoting stronger multilateral cooperation. Jaishankar’s address underscores that counterterrorism requires a comprehensive strategy—one that includes intelligence, legal measures, social resilience, and consistent global policies—to effectively confront sophisticated, cross-border networks and safeguard international peace and stability.

(Sources: Moneycontrol, India Today, Times of India)