BIMSTEC nations strongly condemn terrorism & violent extremism in all its forms & manifestations including cross-border terrorism

The First BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration. In the declaration, the BIMSTEC Nations have strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. In the declaration, the BIMSTEC nations reiterated their determination to prevent, combat and eliminate terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. They also reaffirmed commitment to strengthening regional cooperation under BIMSTEC for realizing a connected, secure, resilient, developed and prosperous BIMSTEC region. They also expressed deepest condolences and solidarity with the victims of terrorist attacks in Member States and their families and with the Governments of the affected States. The nations called for those responsible to be brought to justice in accordance with applicable domestic and international law. The Delhi Declaration also called for effective implementation of the finalized Plans of Action in areas of Human Trafficking, Narcotic Drugs and Precursor Chemicals and Anti-Money Laundering, as well as finalisation of the Plan of Action by the Sub-Group on Cooperation in Countering Radicalization and Terrorism. It also called for effective implementation of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which was signed in March 2022 at the 5th BIMSTEC Summit in Colombo. The BIMSTEC nations also reaffirmed the principle that cooperation within BIMSTEC in the security sector is based on respect for the principle of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, non-aggression, peaceful co-existence and mutual respect.