BIG VICTORY FOR INDIA: Despite China's resistance, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) names Jaish-e-Mohammad, condemns Pulwama terror attack, and asks members to cooperate with India

In a massive win for India in its efforts to ensure those who are behind the Pulwama terror attack are brought to task, the United Nations Security Council has issued a strong note of condemnation and named the Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The Modi government's efforts in the wake of the attack to garner global consensus against Pakistan's continued backing and export of terrorism have overcome months, potentially years, of China's backing for its 'all-weather friend'.

The following is the statement by the UNSC - the United Nations' apex principal organ comprising five permanent members the US, China, Russia, Great Britain and France - asking all member states to cooperate with India in bringing the Jaish to task:

"The member of Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in over 40 Indian paramilitary forces dead and dozens wounded on February 14, 2019, for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility. The member of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Indian people and the government of India, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security".

China had earlier issued a pair of statements where it had condemned the attack in non-specific terms, and definitely not naming the JeM or Pakistan despite being asked specifically. It has also repeatedly vetoed India's efforts to have Jaish chief Masood Azhar declared a global terrorist. A vast number of other countries, however, have come separately and together to back India, some, like the US, Russia and Israel, making powerful statements.

The UNSC's resolution comes a week after 40 CRPF personnel were martyred when their convoy was targeted by a suicide bomber on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attack minutes after the scope and devastation of the attack became known.