External Affairs Minister S. M Krishna has said, piracy is a scourge that needs to be fought with the cooperation of other countries. In an interview to a TV channel, he spoke about the steps underway to tackle the menace and bring back the captive sailors. Mr. Krishna said, families of captive sailors have been coming to meet him and he has been very moved. He said, India will preside the UN Security Council in November and then it wants to take up the issue in a very big way.

Earlier, addressing the UN General Assembly, the External Affairs Minister strongly criticised Pakistan for making a reference to Jammu and Kashmir in the United Nations and described it as unwarranted. New Delhi also asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. In an apparent reference to the remarks by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN General Assembly last week, Mr. S M Krishna said, India's principled position on the issue has been consistent and is well known.

Mr. Krishna also voiced concern over the continuing existence of safe havens and sanctuaries of terrorists beyond Afghanistan's borders, which he said is the major impediment to the restoration of peace and security in Afghanistan. He said, India is committed to creating an enabling environment where the Afghan people can live in peace and security and decide their future themselves, without outside interference, coercion and intimidation.