London: India and United Kingdom stand united against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and support the early finalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
The two sides signed a document on defence and international security partnership post the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart David Cameron.
“They (India and UK) will continue to work together to disrupt all financial and tactical support for terrorist networks including ISIL, Al Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the Haqqanis and the associated groups. The two countries reiterate their call for Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the November 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai to justice,” reads the document.
The document further stated that both sides will continue to work together to prevent terrorist attacks and counter violent extremism, including through the exchange of best practices and technologies.
“Both countries will work together to drive forward international efforts to counter extremism and the ideology that underpins it. They will work through the UN and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum to support action by governments to implement effective national strategies, in partnership with communities, civil society and industry,” it added.
Taking into account India’s geostrategic location and interests in the South Asian region, the two Prime Ministers resolved to deepen and extend existing bilateral consultation and cooperation in these areas through the establishment of an annual senior official South Asia dialogue covering security including terrorism, connectivity, and maritime issues.
The leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and directed their relevant officials to have close and regular consultations on UN terrorist designations. They reiterated their call for Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the November 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai to justice.
Addressing the British Parliament earlier today, Prime Minister Modi said that terrorism and extremism are a global force that are larger than their changing names, groups, territories and targets.
“The world must speak in one voice and act in unison to combat this challenge of our times. We must adopt a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN without delay,” he said.
The Prime Minister also said that there should be no distinction between terrorist groups or discrimination between nations.
“There should be a resolve to isolate those who harbour terrorists and willingness to stand with nations that will fight them honestly. And, we need a social movement against extremism in countries where it is most prevalent and, every effort to delink religion and terrorism,” he added. (ANI)