Seeking a collective fight against terrorism, India on Tuesday asked SAARC countries to have a "zero- tolerance" approach against the scourge anywhere and isolate terrorists whatever their cause and whichever country supports them.
At the inauguration of SAARC Foreign Ministerial meeting, New Delhi also emphasised the need for implementation of SAFTA in letter and spirit by all members in an obvious reference to Pakistan.
"Terrorism is menace that continues to afflict different parts of the world," Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed told the meeting, inaugurated by Bangladesh Prime Minister Khalida Zia.
Referring to the July 11 blasts in Mumbai and Srinagar, Ahamed said the incidents had brought forth once again the tragic human cost that terrorism entails.
"We must adopt an approach of zero-tolerance for terrorism anywhere. We must isolate and condemn terrorists wherever they attack, whatever their cause and whichever country or group provide them sustenance and support.
"Members of SAARC countries must meet this challenge collectively," he said.
Turning to SAFTA, which came into force on July one, he said India hoped that the agreement will be "implemented in letter and spirit, will all parties living upto the commitments they have solemnly undertaken."
{{/usCountry}}Turning to SAFTA, which came into force on July one, he said India hoped that the agreement will be "implemented in letter and spirit, will all parties living upto the commitments they have solemnly undertaken."
{{/usCountry}}He was apparently referring to Pakistan, whom New Delhi had accused of negating the essence of SAFTA by limiting the items for trade with India.