Russia, China, India for UN reforms, to combat terror

NEW DELHI - Backing UN reforms, China Monday joined Russia in lauding India’s role in international affairs as the three countries sought to deepen trilateral cooperation in areas ranging from counter-terrorism and non-proliferation to climate change and global economic issues.

“The ministers reiterated the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN to make it more democratic, representative and efficient so that it can deal with today’s global challenges more effectively,” a joint communique said after the meeting of the foreign ministers of India, China and Russia in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

“The ministers of China and Russia appreciated the role played by India in international affairs and welcomed India’s election to the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term, and looked forward to deepening cooperation with India within the council,” it said.

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna wrapped up two-day trilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Wuhan and discussed issues, including terrorism, non-proliferation, the global financial architecture and climate change.

The issue of the UN reforms and support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council also figured prominently in talks between Krishna and Yang.

During the bilateral talks, India also asked China to be sensitive to its concerns relating to Jammu and Kashmir in a similar manner as it is alive to Beijing’s concerns over Tibet and Taiwan.

The foreign ministers of India, Russia and China also called for jointly combating terrorism and urged all UN member states to urgently conclude and adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

“The ministers emphasized the importance of joint efforts to counter the use of information and communication technologies for terrorist and criminal purposes. They also underscored the importance of joint efforts in countering the financing of terrorism,” the joint communique said.

The three big economies of Asia also decided to step up global economic cooperation and opposed all forms of protectionism.

Significantly, China and India supported Russias accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2011.