Join hands in fight against terror: MEA to Australia

Two days after Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s statement that there was a “high risk of terrorism” in New Delhi, India on Saturday said it was in close touch with Australia and other countries participating in the Commonwealth Games on the steps being taken and that it was “incumbent on all” to join hands to tackle this scourge of terrorism.

Describing terrorism as “an unfortunate reality” which recognises no political borders, New Delhi said the Indian government had taken effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all during the Commonwealth Games.

“We have seen the statement, purportedly on the lines of a travel advisory issued by Australia. Terrorism is an unfortunate reality in today’s world which recognises no political borders. It is incumbent on all countries to join hands to tackle this scourge,” said Vishnu Prakash, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, a day after The Indian Express reported the outrage within the government circles on the Australian PM’s remarks. “We are confident of having a safe and successful sporting event.”

Even as New Delhi reacted to Gillard’s remarks, media reports from Melbourne said the Australian authorities had received intelligence inputs about a plan by al-Qaida-linked terrorists to take foreigners hostage during the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.