India will show 'patience' with China for 'as long as it takes' to list JeM chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist: Sources

Three days after China placed a 'technical hold' on the move to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist' for the fourth time in United Nations Security Council, India has expressed optimism in that matter stating it will show patience and continue pushing for the JeM chief's listing for 'as long as it takes'. 

"We are still working with members of sanction committee. There is no bigger statement, half of UNSC co-sponsors proposal. A hold is not a block. We are optimistic. India will show patience as long as it takes, we are cautiously optimistic that Masood Azhar will be listed as a global terrorist. There are issues China has to resolve with Pakistan. India has strong support of 14 of the 15 members," sources told news agency ANI.

Later, adding that China also faces terrorism operating from Pakistan, sources further stated that the USA is supportive of India and has extended assurance that Pakistan will take action in the matter.

"China also knows terrorism is a challenge, they know it operates from Pakistan. India will show patience. China has adequate information that there are groups in Pakistan working against China. Pakistan is spending diplomatic capital in defending indefensible. It's action is cosmetic. The US is supportive of India and has assured that Pakistan will take action," sources said. 

READ: China Defends Blocking Masood Azhar Terror Listing, Says It Will Help In Finding Lasting Solution

Meanwhile, the US and two other permanent Security Council members, France and Britain, are believed to be in "good faith" discussions with China to arrive at a "compromise" on the UN designation of Jaish chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

And if that effort does not end up in the formal designation of the JeM chief, the three permanent members are planning to soon move a resolution for his listing in the  UNSC, which would be preceded by an open debate on the issue.

On Wednesday, March 13, China blocked for the fourth consecutive time a resolution at a UN Security Council Committee on designating Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad group, as a global terrorist, a proposal that was moved by the US, France and the UK.

READ: US, France & UK Working On Compromise With China On Azhar Listing Or Planning Vote In UN

(With agency inputs)