Optimistic about Masood Azhar’s blacklisting, global community on our side: India responds to China

India continued efforts to corner Pakistan and China on the issue of designating Masood Azhar as global terrorist. India continues to make its case on global level even as China continues to stonewall any attempts by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to formally declare Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

"The hold by China is not a block. We are optimistic. We will continue to work with everyone," said an official source.

India believes "terrorism is a major issue for China. They know a number of terror groups are based in Pakistan", sources added.

On Beijing continuing to oppose Azhar's listing as global terrorist, government sources said there are issues which China needs to resolve with Pakistan.

On Wednesday, China for the fourth time opposed the bid in the UN Security Council to designate the chief of the Pakistan-based terror group as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal. The Chinese move was termed "disappointing" by India.

In a statement faxed to Reuters late on Friday, China's Foreign Ministry reiterated that the "technical hold" on the blacklisting was to give more time for the committee to have further consultations and study on the issue.

China hopes the committee's actions can "benefit reducing the tense situation and protect regional stability", the ministry said, responding to a Reuters question on the boycott calls in India.

"China is willing to strengthen communication with all parties, including India, to appropriately handle this issue," it added, without elaborating.

Global pressure has mounted on Pakistan to take comprehensive action to eliminate terrorist havens inside the country This is true especially after Pulwama terror attack which took place in the month of February.

Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack that killed 40 CRPF jawans. Masood Azhar is chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed.

(With inputs from PTI and Reuters)