When threats are global, the response cannot be just local, Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the world to come together to combat globalized threats like terrorism, corruption, drug trafficking, poaching and organised crime.

“The pace of change of these dangers is faster than earlier. When threats are global, the response cannot be just local! It is high time that the world comes together to defeat these threats”, he said in his address to the 90th Interpol General Assembly in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Highlighting the evils of transnational terrorism, Prime Minister Modi remarked that India has been combating it for several decades, even before the world recognised it. “We knew the price of safety and security. Thousands of our people made the ultimate sacrifice in this fight”, he added.

The Prime Minister noted that terrorism is no longer fought only in the physical space but is spreading rapidly through online radicalization and cyber threats. He explained that an attack can be executed or systems can be brought to their knees just by the click of a button.

Reiterating the need to further develop international strategies, Prime Minister Modi said, “Each nation is working on strategies against them. But what we do within our borders is no longer enough.”

He further suggested the establishment of early detection and warning systems, protecting transportation services, security for communication infrastructure, security for critical infrastructure, technical and technological assistance, intelligence exchange, and various other things be taken to a new level.

The Prime Minister emphasized that there is a need for the global community to work even faster to eliminate safe havens. “There can be no safe havens for the corrupt, terrorists, drug cartels, poaching gangs or organized crime. Such crimes against people in one place are crimes against everyone, crimes against humanity”, he added.

Police and law enforcement agencies need to devise procedures and protocols to increase cooperation, Prime Minister Modi pointed out, adding that Interpol can help by speeding up Red Corner Notices for fugitive offenders.

“At a time when nations and societies are becoming inward-looking, India calls for more international cooperation. Global cooperation for local welfare is our call," Prime Minister Modi added.

The 90th Interpol General Assembly is being attended by delegations from 195 Interpol member countries comprising ministers, police chiefs of countries, heads of national central bureaus and senior police officers. The General Assembly is Interpol’s supreme governing body and meets once a year to take key decisions related to its functioning.