India has expressed serious concern over the security situation in the Sahel and Lake Chad region in West Africa, saying that terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime have continued unabated in the area.

Speaking at a UN Security Council session in New York yesterday, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti said India also condemned terrorist attacks by Boko Haram in Nigeria and Lake Chad region and by Islamic State in West Africa. He also called for closer coordination in counter-terrorism cooperation and said that the international community also needs to develop a coherent, coordinated and cooperative approach to deal with the worrisome humanitarian situation in the Sahel.

India lauded the positive developments and leadership of the countries of West Africa and Sahel for their commitment to sustainable peace and development, and safeguard fundamental rights.