Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.

Reasons for limited effectiveness

1. Veto power with the P-5 can block action - E.g. China obstructed India's attempts towards proclamation of Masood Azhar as designated terrorist.

2. No subsidiary body attached to deal with terror.

3. Lack of consensus on definition of terror.

4. Deadlocks in passing umbrella treaty addressing all forms of terrorism - Some members promote a sectoral approach.

5. Non-responsiveness to acts of terror in developing countries. Eg: 26/11 attacks.

6. Deadlock over issue of state terrorism and state sponsored terrorism.

7. Insufficient action on state-sponsor of terror, such as Pakistan.

Way forward

1. Zero tolerance to terror
2. UNSC to set-up specialized organ that can take action on terror. Eg: SCO's CAITS.
3. Recognition of state-sponsored terrorism and strict action against violators.
4. Use of regional mechanisms. Eg: SCO, BRICS etc.