India’s Eight Point Action Plan to UNSC to combat terrorism

January 13, 2021

The External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar recently addressed the United Nations Security Council open debate. During his address, the minister proposed eight-point action plan.

What is the eight-point action plan proposed by India?

All the member nations should fulfil their obligations in international counter-terrorism conventions and instruments.
The countries should not bring in double standards in the battle. For instance, there are countries that support terrorism by offering financial support. Such countries are black listed by the international bodies such as FATF (Financial Action Task Force). These countries are being referred to double standard countries.
The working methods of the committees dealing with counter-terrorism should be reformed.
The enlisting and delisting of individuals and entities under the United Nations should be done objectively and not for political and religious considerations.
The linkages between transnational organised crime and terrorism should be addressed vigorously.
The FATF should continue to identify weaknesses in anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing frameworks.
Adequate funding should be allocated to the UN Counter terrorism bodies.

Who chaired the United Nations Security Council open debate?

Tunisia. Because Tunisia is the current President of the fifteen member UNSC body.

Who are the current 15 members of UNSC?

The UNSC is made of five permanent members and ten non-permanent members. The five permanent members are China, UK, France, Russia an USA. The ten non-permanent members are India, Estonia, Kenya, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Vietnam and Tunisia.

How are non-permanent member seats of the UNSC distributed?

Of the ten non-permanent member seats in the United Nations Security Council, five are for Asian and African countries, one for Eastern European countries, two for Latin American and Caribbean countries and two for western European countries.

There is an informal understanding between Asia and the African group to reserve one seat for an Arab country. The Africa and Asia Pacific group takes turn for every two years to put up an Arab candidate.