Paris attacks: choke terror funding, secure cyber space, Modi tellsG-20

Terrorism is a principle global challenge extracting a deadly price from regions in conflict to the streets of distant cities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told leaders of the G-20 at a working dinner on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit working session in Turkey on 15 November 2015

He said the old structures of terrorism remain. There are countries that still use it as an instrument of state policy, even as the changing character of terrorism have been unravelling, encompassing global links, franchise relations, home-grown terrorism and use of cyber space for recruitment and propaganda.

''There is a new level of threat to pluralist and open societies. The territory of recruitment and the target of attacks is the same – society,'' he said and added the global framework for security is defined for another era and for other security challenges.

''We don't have a comprehensive global strategy to combat terrorism. And, we tend to be selective in using the instruments that we have, the prime minister emphasised adding that what was more important was the response to the threat of terror.

He urged the assembled global leaders to speak in one voice and act in unison against terrorism, without any political considerations.

''There should be no distinction between terrorist groups or discrimination between states. We must isolate those who support and sponsor terrorism; and, stand with those who share our values of humanism.''

He also urged for a restructuring of the international legal framework to deal with the unique challenges of terrorism.

''We should also adopt a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism without any delay and international cooperation in intelligence and counter-terrorism should increase.

''We should strengthen efforts to prevent supply of arms to terrorists, disrupt terrorist movements, and curb and criminalise terror financing.

He said the world must help each other to secure cyber space, and minimise the window for terrorists to use the internet and social media for terrorist activities.

The prime minister also highlighted the need to involve religious leaders, thinkers and opinion makers for a social movement against extremism, particularly addressed at the youth.

''This is needed most in countries where it is most prevalent. ''We need to delink terror and religion and work together to counter radicalization. It is equally important to promote broader peace and stability in West Asia and Africa. This is also required for addressing the current refugee crisis.''

Speaking on the current humanitarian crisis of refugees pouring into Europe seeking asylum, Modi said today, there are an estimated 60 million people in need of protection worldwide. The West Asian crisis has focused global attention on this acute humanitarian challenge. It also has wide-ranging impact in receiving countries.

''We thank the countries that have opened their borders and shelters.''

We also called for a long-term approach and a stronger role for the United Nations in dealing with one of our greatest human challenges across the world.