Terrorism Impinging On Economic Growth, Says Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi: Spread of terrorism and violence inspired by "medieval beliefs" as well as threat of use of force by nations in territorial disputes have disrupted connectivity impinging economic growth of the South Asian region, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today.

In her address at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue, a conclave on geo-economics and geo-politics, Ms Swaraj said modernisation of connectivity besides an environment of trust and confidence were integral to growth and development.

Talking about threat of disruption in connectivity, Ms Swaraj said, "In its most radical form, this emanates from the spread of terrorism, which has mutated to keep pace with the march of technology. As a result, we confront the spectre of cyber-attacks even as we struggle with violence inspired by medieval beliefs."

Without naming any country, Ms Swaraj said use or threat of use of force by nations in territorial disputes is another source of concern, adding it remains India's conviction that the logic of larger regional cooperation will prevail over vested interests.

India has been pushing for improved connectivity among the SAARC countries. A key pact to ensure better connectivity among the nations of the bloc could not be finalised in SAARC summit in Nepal last year due to opposition by Pakistan.

"We bring to bear a cooperative rather than unilateral approach and believe that creating an environment of trust and confidence is the pre-requisite for a more inter-connected world. This is in our DNA; after all, we are the inheritors of two powerful connectivity legacies - the message of Buddha and the Spice Route," said Ms Swaraj.

The inaugural session was attended by former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga, former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, former president of Seychelles James Mancham, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali besides a host of diplomats, intellectuals and foreign policy experts.

The minister said modernisation of connectivity was an integral element of the Asia's revival.

"Where India itself is concerned, whether it is domestic, external or regional, connectivity will determine how we meet our promise of growth, employment and prosperity. Both literally and metaphorically, it is an enabler of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'!" she said.

Complimenting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ms Swaraj said there is a widespread impression today that a "decisive, energetic and action oriented" leadership is in charge in India and that since coming to power in May, 2014, the NDA government has brought a "new sense of purpose" to India's foreign policy.

"As a consequence, India has become a natural participant in most important global conversations," she said.

Ms Swaraj said meeting "traditional and non-traditional threats", contributing to a climate of trust and transparency, ensuring respect for international maritime rules and norms, resolving maritime disputes without threat or "use of force" are key to promote connectivity in maritime sector.

"India preaches what it practices and the agreement with Bangladesh on our maritime boundary should stand out as an example to others," she said.

She also gave an account of India's development assistance and projects being implemented in some of the neighbouring countries.

Referring to government's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, Ms Swaraj said there has been enhancement of India's cooperative ties with its our neighbours in the last year and a half.

Underlining importance of security of connectivity, she said the rivalry for influence among nations today is often expressed in terms of their competition in infrastructure connectivity and that there was need to remove hurdles to ensure easy flow of trade.

The minister said cyber connectivity was of growing importance.

"It is connected to the question of how the contemporary global order should be governed and regulated so that it remains a free medium but yet allows governments to protect their citizens.

"India has supported a multi-stakeholder approach aimed at preserving a free and integrated Internet, but has also asked for a more democratic distribution of critical Internet infrastructure and for closer international cooperation on cyber security and cyber-crime to build trust and stability among the various stakeholders."

On maritime connectivity, Ms Swaraj said the vast sea space to "our south means that connectivity is as much maritime as it is territorial".

"The oceans around India and the associated blue economy link security and prosperity as strongly in the maritime domain as they do in other spheres.

"Our vision was articulated by Prime Minister as SAGAR-Security and Growth for All in the Region. It is a commitment to safe, secure, stable and shared maritime space," she said.