Abu Dhabi: Elevating their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, India and the UAE today came down heavily on countries sponsoring terrorism against other states in what is seen as 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 also called for dismantling of terrorism infrastructures and 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 Pince 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 agreed to coordinate efforts to counter radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and justifying terrorism for pursuing political aims.
Both sides 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".
This is seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan which has been repeatedly told by India to stop terror activities emanating from Pakistani soil against it. The two countries decided to work together to control, regulate and share information on flow of funds that could have a bearing on radicalisation activities and cooperate in interdicting illegal flows and take action against concerned individuals and organisations, the joint statement said.
They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, other trans-national crimes and extradition arrangements. Asked by reporters whether the issue of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his properties in UAE came up for discussion, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar did not give a
direct reply, saying larger issues and trends having bearing on the countries figured in the talks.
"The two nations reject extremism and any link between religion and terrorism. They condemn efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries.
"They also deplore 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," the statement said.
The two leaders agreed to elevate India-UAE relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" and chart out a new course for cooperation in key areas like defence, security, trade, maritime security and intelligence sharing.
In Dubai, Modi held comprehensive talks with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Modi and Prince Mohamed agreed to establish a Strategic Security Dialogue between the two governments besides deciding to strengthen defence relations, including through regular exercises and training of naval, air, land and Special Forces.
They agreed to cooperate in manufacture of defence equipment in India and work together to promote peace,
reconciliation, stability, inclusiveness and cooperation in the wider South Asia, Gulf and West Asia region.
India and the UAE also decided to establish a dialogue between their National Security Advisers and National Security Councils. The NSAs will meet every six months. The statement said the leaders agreed to promote
strategic partnership in the energy sector, including through UAE's participation in India in the development of strategic petroleum reserves, upstream and downstream petroleum sectors, and collaboration in third countries.
The two sides also decided to promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention on use of cyber for
terrorism, radicalization and disturbing social harmony. They agreed to cooperate to strengthen maritime security
in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean region, which is vital for the security and prosperity of both countries.
The UAE resolved to join hands with India for the adoption of New Delhi's proposed Comprehensive convention on
International Terrorism in the United Nations. Both the countries called on all nations to "fully respect and sincerely implement" their commitments to resolve disputes bilaterally and peacefully, without resorting to
violence and terrorism.
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