By IANS,
New Delhi: With Australia warning of a high risk of terrorism ahead of Commonwealth Games, India Saturday assured the world that it was taking effective measures to ensure a safe and successful sporting event and underlined that it was in touch with all participating countries.
“The government of India has taken effective measures to ensure safety and security of all during the forthcoming CWGs,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said in response to a question.
“We are in close touch with all participating countries, including Australia about the steps we are taking. We are confident of having a safe and successful sporting event,” he said.
“Terrorism in an unfortunate reality in today’s world which recognizes no political borders,” Prakash said.
New Delhi stressed that all countries should join hands to tackle this scourge of terrorism.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Thursday warned of high risk of terrorism in Delhi, but added that it was ultimately for the athletes to decide if they want to attend the event or not.
She said that there was “widespread concern” about health and security of the contestants.
With a week to for the Oct 3-14 Games, Gillard’s comments sparked widespread outrage in India and were seen as a lack of confidence in India’s ability to ensure safe and secure games, the biggest sporting event Delhi will host since the 1982 Asiad Games.