India has pledged $500,000 to support the United Nations’ efforts in fighting global terrorism, citing the increasing use of new technologies by terror groups as a threat to governments worldwide. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar announced this contribution during a special meeting of the U.N. Counter Terrorism Committee.
The donation will be allocated to the U.N. Trust Fund for Counter Terrorism to enhance the organization’s fight against terrorism. Jaishankar emphasized the urgent need for the international community to address the misuse of technologies like encrypted messaging services and blockchain by terror groups.
During his keynote address, Jaishankar highlighted the role of internet and social media platforms in spreading propaganda and radicalization. He also raised concerns about the use of drones by terror groups in monitoring security forces and U.N. peacekeepers, posing a significant challenge to global security.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly echoed these concerns, emphasizing the destructive capabilities of unmanned aerial systems. He specifically mentioned the use of drones in Russia’s invasion of a sovereign country, leading to the imposition of sanctions on Iranian entities involved in the supply of drones.
The special conference, held in Mumbai, India’s financial hub, aimed to address the threats posed by terror groups leveraging new technologies. Jaishankar also criticized certain countries for hindering the proscription of terrorists for political reasons, which undermines collective efforts in combating terrorism.
Although China was not explicitly named, Jaishankar alluded to its obstruction of U.N. sanctions against leaders of a Pakistan-based extremist group. India and the United States had sought these sanctions earlier in the year, but China delayed the process citing the need for further review.
