India's Role in Lending Global South Support Against Terrorism Financing: Analysis by Pradeep S. Mehta
South Africa played host to a tense G-20 gathering, focusing on issues plaguing the Global South, with Pakistan's role in recent terrorism incidents generating heated discussions. In the midst of these tensions, India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, stressed the necessity to build an enduring institutional framework to combat terrorism across the emerging economies, going beyond mere sporadic outrage.
Diplomatically and ethically, it's crucial that we no longer stand idly by during times of inaction. Terrorism wreaks havoc on global development, wrecking lives and compromising independence worldwide. As former foreign secretary, Nirupama Rao, argued in a recent piece, it's high time to develop a proactive approach to terrorism management.
Enter the proposed G-20 task force, aptly named T20: Twenty Against Terrorism. This coalition, powered by countries that have been repeatedly targeted by terrorism, aims to lead the way in countering terrorism financing, a vital—yet often overlooked—aspect of dismantling terrorist networks.
By uniting nations that are adversely affected by terrorism, the T20 task force seeks to bolster efforts to combat terrorism in a more proactive manner. Coming together, members aim to learn from each other, share intelligence, and develop innovative strategies to curb terror funding and deter further attacks.
The proposed task force plans to focus on a variety of initiatives, such as local de-radicalization models, enhancing digital surveillance, fostering community resilience, spearheading financial tracking innovations, and facilitating real-time intelligence sharing.
G-20 members like India, Africa, Mexico, Turkey, and Russia must seize this opportunity to become proactive partners in the global counter-terror framework, going beyond their traditional roles as recipients of post-crisis aid. The T20 task force presents a unique opportunity for these countries to take charge and work together in shaping a more secure future.
In a changing global landscape, united action is critical. By refusing to stay silent, we empower ourselves to define and defend peace on our own terms, collectively, urgently, and unapologetically. The world demands a stronger response than ever before, and it's clear that the T20 task force offers a powerful platform for achieving that goal.
With South Africa leading the way, the time for talk is over. It's time to set up task forces with real teeth and launch the T20 movement. Let the T20 serve as a blueprint for a safer, more stable world. Let's send a resounding message: we will no longer tolerate terrorism, and we will define and defend our own peace.
Diplomatic and proactive actions are essential in combating terrorism across the Global South, where South Africa hosted a tense G-20 gathering. In light of this, the proposed T20 task force, consisting of countries that have been repeatedly targeted by terrorism, aims to lead the way in countering terrorism financing, a crucial yet often neglected aspect of dismantling terrorist networks.
Coming together, G-20 members like India, Africa, Mexico, Turkey, and Russia must seize this opportunity to become proactive partners in the global counter-terror framework. The T20 task force offers a unique opportunity for these nations to take charge, learn from each other, share intelligence, and develop innovative strategies to curb terror funding and deter further attacks.
