Wuzhen
(China), Feb 27 (Agency) Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
on Wednesday raised the February 14 Pulwama terror attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed
(JeM) in Jammu and Kashmir during her bilateral meeting with Chinese
counterpart Wang Yi at the 16th Russia-India-China (RIC) foreign ministers’
meeting here.

February
14 Pulwama terror attack is worst terrorist attack

“I am
visiting China at a time when there is grief and anger in India. It is the
worst terrorist attack directed against our security forces in Jammu and
Kashmir,” she said in her opening remarks during the bilateral meeting
held on the sidelines of the RIC.

The meeting
came just after 24 hours of a “punitive” action by the Indian Air
Force fighter jets that brought down major terror training camps in Pakistan’s
Balakot, that New Delhi called a “non-military and pre-emptive
strike”.

The Minister
strongly put it across that the JeM is a “Pakistan-based and supported
terrorist organisation”.

“Following
the Pulwama terror attack, instead of taking seriously the calls by
international community to act against Jaish-e-Mohammad, Pakistan denied any
knowledge of the attack and outright dismissed claims by JeM,” she said.

“Such
dastardly terrorist attacks are a grim reminder of the need of all the
countries to show zero tolerance towards terrorism and take decisive action
against it,” she added.

At least 40 Central
Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were killed in the suicide attack by
JeM. The group had released photos and a video after the attack claiming full
responsibility.

Sushma
Swaraj’s meeting with China is significant as Beijing has repeatedly blocked
India’s bid at the UN to declare JeM chief Masood Azhar a UN-designated global
terrorist.

While
countries across the world, including US, Russia, UK and France — part of the
UN Security Council, condemned Pakistan’s role in the Pulwama terror attack,
China’s stand on JeM chief Masood Azhar has remained unchanged.

Counter-terrorism on the agenda – Raveesh Kumar

“Counter-terrorism on the agenda. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj departs for Wuzhen, China for the 16th Foreign Ministers Meeting of Russia, India and China. Apart from attending the trilateral meeting, EAM will hold bilateral discussions with Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministers,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had tweeted before her visit.

Counter-terrorism on the agenda

EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs for Wuzhen, #China for the 16th Foreign Ministers Meeting of Russia, India & China #RIC. Apart from attending the trilateral meeting, EAM will also hold bilateral discussions with Russian & Chinese Foreign Ministers. pic.twitter.com/XCsXJDBiI5

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 26, 2019

In the light of continuing refusal of Pakistan to acknowledge & act against terror groups on its territory & based on credible information that JeM was planning other attacks in India,GOI decided to take pre-emptive action:EAM @SushmaSwaraj Remarks at #RIC https://t.co/vSedlv9XHN pic.twitter.com/IZxGn7RDMz

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 27, 2019