India has strongly pitched for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, CCIT. It has called upon the global community to focus on further strengthening the anti-terror legal framework and implement the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy in an integrated manner.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Rahman Khan said in an address at the UN yesterday that the comprehensiveness of the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy will not be completed without the conclusion of the CCIT. This convention is at an advance stage of consideration before the UN.

Describing terrorism as a scourge that undermines peace, democracy and freedom, Mr Khan said, it has endangered the very foundations of the continued existence of democratic societies. Pointing out that terrorists had become truly globalized, he said, to give effect to their sinister plans, they recruited in one country, raised funds in another and operated in others. He said terrorists advocated their own ideologies and had developed global logistical supply chains and trans-national financial support systems.

Pointing out that India is party to 13 global conventions and protocols on terrorism, Mr Khan expressed India's full commitment to its obligations under these conventions. He also said, India fully endorsed the two consensus benchmarks that had been reflected in the outcome document that the international community supported zero tolerance towards terrorism, and no cause or grievance whatsoever, could justify terrorism.