NEW DELHI: With China defending its move to block listing of proscribed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, India is examining all options available on the table and has initiated talks with other member countries of the UN Security Council.
“We are examining all options and consulting with other co-sponsors,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sources. New Delhi had criticised the intransigence of China on the issue and called it Beijing’s double standards in the fight against terrorism.
Beijing claimed that it arrived at the decision to block India’s application after a “professional and objective” process. However, India has accused China of letting “political considerations” hinder imposition of sanctions against Azhar, who has found shelter in Pakistan and where he addresses public rallies.
Meanwhile, in a rare dissent against official policy, a former Chinese diplomat who served in India has sought change in China’s repeated efforts to block India’s bid to slap a UN ban on Masood Azhar arguing that he is a terrorist and Beijing should “adjust” its stand accordingly.
In his blog, Mao Siwei — who previously served as China’s Consul General in Kolkata — said China should take advantage of India’s complaint against Azhar and “get rid of the passive diplomatic situation” between the two countries.