Terrorism and the Global South: India's Proactive Approach

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam and India's military response, Operation Sindoor, have highlighted the persistent threat of terrorism as a continuous form of warfare, particularly affecting the Global South.

Indian Response and International Dynamics

• India responded with military precision and diplomatic discipline, showcasing a proactive defense strategy.
• The global reaction exposed weaknesses in the international system's ability to effectively respond to terrorism.
• While countries like the United States, France, and Israel supported India, others, including the UN and the OIC, called for restraint and dialogue.
• China and Russia's responses demonstrated diplomatic challenges, with China protecting Pakistan and Russia remaining silent.

The T20 Initiative: Twenty Against Terrorism

The proposal for an India-led T20 initiative aims to address the gap between current global counter-terror frameworks and the regional realities of terrorism.

• Comprising countries from the Global South, the T20 would focus on intelligence sharing, capacity building, and counter-radicalization.
• It aims to address emerging threats like cyber-terrorism, drone warfare, and crypto-financing.
• The T20's inclusivity would give voice to nations often sidelined in global security debates.

Strategic and Moral Imperatives

India's leadership in the T20 would enhance its global stature without military involvement, positioning it as a responsible power in the Global South.

• The T20 would complement, not replace, existing institutions like the UN and FATF, serving as both a conscience-keeper and action-accelerator.
• It would emphasize data-driven strategies, community resilience, and development-linked de-radicalization.

Conclusion

The urgency of establishing a permanent institutional architecture like the T20 is underscored by recurring terrorist acts globally. India's leadership and experience make it well-suited to spearhead this initiative, providing a collective platform for countries facing similar threats.