By Snehesh Alex Philip and Vilas Tokale

Mobor (Goa): In a stinging attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said it “embraces and radiates” the darkness of terrorism which has become its “favourite child” and pitched for decisive action, saying the time for condemning state-sponsored terrorism is long gone.

He pressed the member nations of BRICS and BIMSTEC groupings to send a clear message to those who “nurture the philosophy of terror to mend their ways or be isolated in the civilized world.”

His comments came as he pushed for greater collaboration among BRICS countries, which also include Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa besides India, as well as members of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grouping, on the issues of terrorism, economy, trade and connectivity.

“Terrorism, radicalization, and transnational crimes pose grave threats to each of us,” Modi said addressing the first BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Meeting that was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Jacob Zuma and Brazilian President Michel Temer.

Among the BIMSTEC leaders present were Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Myanmarese leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tsering Tobgay.

Modi underlined that geographical barriers and borders pose no limitations on those who wish to harm societies.

“They not only threaten the lives of our nationals, they also block our march towards economic prosperity,” he said.

In South Asia and BIMSTEC, all nation states, barring one, are motivated to pursue a path of peace, development and economic prosperity for its people. Unfortunately, this country in India’s neighbourhood embraces and radiates the darkness of terrorism,” he said in a clear reference to Pakistan.

While slamming Pakistan, Modi said, terrorism has become its favorite child. And, the child in turn has come to define the fundamental character and nature of its parent.”

Pressing for action, he said, “The time for condemning the state-sponsored terrorism is long gone. It is time to stand up and act, and act decisively It is, therefore, imperative for BRICS and BIMSTEC to create a comprehensive response to secure our societies against the perpetrators of terror.”

Appealing to the leaders of BRICS and BIMSTEC, Modi said everyone present should send a clear message to those who nurture the philosophy of terror and seek to de-humanize the mankind, to mend their ways or be isolated in the civilized world . .

Modi said that with 1.5 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 2.

5 trillion, the countries of BIMSTEC have shared aspirations for growth, development, commerce, and technology.

Their quest for economic prosperity can shape the agenda for building economic partnerships with BRICS, he said.

Similarly, BRICS represents large emerging economies, G- 20 member-states and 2 permanent members of the UN Security Council.

“Its (BRICS) linkages with BIMSTEC economies will enlarge the regional and global sphere of dynamic growth and prosperity, the Prime Minister said.

India is making all out efforts to revive BIMSTEC as Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar (State Counsellor) besides Thai Deputy Foreign Minister come together with BRICS leaders to forge a new partnership.

This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent SAARC Summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to hold such an event.

Modi said the convergence of purpose and priorities between BRICS and BIMSTEC provides a perfect opportunity to frame economic and development partnership, shape ties in the fields of energy, agriculture, technology, fisheries, and culture besides structured trade, investment and commercial partnerships and pool resources to fight terrorism and transnational crime.

To me, the areas of commerce, connectivity, culture, security and disaster management appear promising in identifying collaborative possibilities. Economy and commerce can unlock new drivers of growth and benefit,” he said adding that BIMSTEC countries economic emergence fits well with the BRICS countries own experiences.

The New Development Bank of BRICS can be a channel for BRICS-BIMSTEC collaboration, he said.

Noting that BIMSTEC has focused intensely on connectivity, Prime Minister said more than a hundred connectivity projects have been mooted within the BIMSTEC.

Such projects can benefit from the capacity developed in BRICS countries. Transport corridors and connectivity for trade is a compelling direction. It can have a multiplier effect on growth and development.

“Digital connectivity is of particular relevance for our memberships. Technology can bridge the gaps in physical connectivity and connect communities across our regions, he said.

Noting that delivery of health, skills, education, and other services can make a difference in our daily lives, he said, India will be happy to take a lead in this direction.”

Modi underlined that BRICS-BIMSTEC partnership in environment protection and disaster management will benefit millions of lives.

A spirit of cooperation and collaboration between BRICS and BIMSTEC can be a powerful agent of change, he said. PTI