ABU DHABI/DUBAI, Aug 17:
Elevating their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, India and the UAE today came down heavily on countries sponsoring terrorism and asked all States to dismantle terror infrastructure, an oblique reference to Pakistan.
Denouncing and opposing terrorism in all forms and manifestations and asking all States to abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, the two sides called for bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice.
References to terrorism in all forms including State-sponsored were the highlight of a 31-point joint statement issued after talks between the UAE Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed AI Nahyan and Narendra Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the strategic Gulf state in 34 years.
Agreeing to boost bilateral cooperation in counter- terrorism operations, intelligence-sharing and capacity building, Modi and the Crown Prince also decided to coordinate efforts to counter radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and justifying terrorism for pursuing political aims.
The two sides held intensive discussions on strategic bilateral, regional and international issues such as trade, security, threat of terrorism and extremism after which they decided on range of steps including setting up a security dialogue and establishing NSA-level interactions.
Modi also held talks with Ruler of Dubai and UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on a range of issues.
During their comprehensive discussions, Modi and the Crown Prince agreed to enhance cooperation in counter- terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity building and decided to work together to control, regulate and share information on flow of funds that could have a bearing on radicalisation activities, the statement said.
The two sides also decided to cooperate in interdicting illegal flows and take action against concerned individuals and organisations.
When asked if the issue of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and attaching of his assets in the UAE was discussed as part of taking action against individuals and organisations having a bearing on radicalisation, Foreign Secretary S Jaishanakar did not give a direct reply.
“There was a larger discussion on issues and trends obviously seen as source of instability for the countries and region. In high-level visits of this nature (deal) more with policy decisions,” he said.
When asked about the immediacy in context of counter terrorism measures, the foreign secretary said, “The threat of terrorism is common to both countries. This includes not the non-state actors, but states sponsoring terrorism.”
Rejecting extremism and any link between religion and terrorism, the two sides condemned efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries.
They also deplored efforts by countries to give religious and sectarian colour to political issues and disputes, including in West and South Asia and use terrorism to pursue their aims.
India and the UAE denounced and opposed terrorism in all forms and manifestations, “wherever committed and by whomever, calling on all states to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they exist, and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice,” the statement said.
The inclusion of this formulation was projected as significant by the Indian side which maintained that it was an obvious reference to Pakistan.
Modi, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday on a two-day visit, also held meetings with business captains to project India as an attractive investment destination.
At the end of Modi’s meetings, both sides announced elevation of the India-UAE relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and as part of it they will also manufacture defence equipment in India.
They agreed to coordinate efforts to counter radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred, perpetrating and justifying terrorism or pursuing political aims, the joint statement said.
They decided to “strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, other trans-national crimes, extradition arrangements, as well as police training and promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention on use of cyber for terrorism, radicalisation and disturbing social harmony,” the statement said.
Establishing a dialogue between their National Security Advisors and National Security Councils, they decided that the National Security Advisors, together with other high-level representatives for security from both nations, will meet every six months.
The two sides will also establish points of contact between their security agencies to further improve operational cooperation.
Apart from agreeing to enhance maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean region, which is vital for the security and prosperity of both countries, India and the UAE decided to strengthen defence relations, including through regular exercises and training of naval, air, land and Special Forces, and in coastal defence.
India warmly welcomed UAE’s decision to participate in International Fleet Review in India in February 2016.
They also decided to work together for the adoption of
India’s proposed Comprehensive convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations and promote peace, reconciliation, stability, inclusiveness and cooperation in the wider South Asia, Gulf and West Asia region.
The UAE also supported India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
The leaders supported efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts and promote adherence to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in the conduct of relations between nations and settlement of disputes.
They also “call on all nations to fully respect and sincerely implement their commitments to resolve disputes bilaterally and peacefully, without resorting to violence and terrorism,” the statement added.
Asserting that their common vision of progress and prosperity faces challenges from many shared threats to peace, stability and security in the region, they noted that a “shared endeavour to address these challenges, based on common ideals and convergent interests, is vital for the future of the two countries and their region”.
The leaders also felt that in the past, relations between the two governments have not kept pace with the exponential growth in relations between their people or the promise of this partnership and the need for a close strategic partnership between UAE and India has never been stronger or more urgent than in these uncertain times.
Meanwhile, pitching for a “decisive battle” against terrorism, Modi tonight asked countries to choose if they are with sponsors of the menace or against them as he underlined that dialogue is the only way to resolve all issues with neighbours.
Modi, without naming Pakistan, said that India wants good relations with all neighbouring countries. “I keep telling all neighbouring countries that like all people who have chosen the path of violence will have to come to the dialogue table at some point of time, similarly dialogue is the only way to resolve issues.”
The Prime Minister, who wrapped up his two-day visit to UAE, told a gathering of around 50,000 Indians at the Dubai International Cricket stadium that the message of collective fight against terrorism which has emanated from here will be “understood” by those sponsoring terrorism, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
“Samajnewale samajh jayenge. Akalmand ko ishara kaafi hai (Those who need to understand will get the message. Signal is enough for them. Those involved in terrorism must be punished and this message has come out clearly from here,” he said while referring to the India-UAE joint statement which talked about collective fight against terrorism.
Speaking just ahead of the NSA-level talks with Pakistan on August 23, Modi said India has been a victim of terrorism for last 40 years, with innocent people being killed but the world has realised its impact only now.
“Terrorism does not have any boundary… Everyone will have to decide whether they are with terrorism or against it,” the Prime Minister said in his 70-minute address.
He said “false distinction” between good terrorism and bad terrorism will not work and action must be taken against all those involved in perpetrating violence.
“Good Taliban, bad Taliban. Good terror, bad terror…This won’t work. Time has come now for a decisive battle between those supporting terrorism and those believing in humanity,” he said.
While talking about terrorism, Modi took a swipe at UN Security Council, saying that it has not been able to define terrorism and which country should be declared as “terrorist state”.
In this context, he said a proposal on Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism has been pending for long and the UAE has backed India’s stand on the matter.
Giving the example of recent Naga peace accord, the Prime Minister said all those who are on the path of violence should shun it and come to the national mainstream.
“Howsoever serious a problem may be, at the end talks is the only way to resolve it. Whether you come to the dialogue table after fighting for 10 years, 20 years or 40 years, you will have to come for talks. I want to tell those who have chosen the wrong path that violence does no good to anybody,” Modi said amid chant of “Modi-Modi”
The Prime Minister spoke on a range of issues including ties with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bhutan and steps for bolstering connectivity and trust among SAARC countries. (PTI)
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