India, UAE condemn State-backed use of religion to foment terrorism

NEW DELHI: In a veiled attack on Pakistan, India and the UAE have condemned efforts by States to use religion to sponsor and sustain terrorism against other countries, and resolved to cooperate in countering terrorism by adopting a policy of “zero tolerance” towards the menace.

An India-uae joint statement on Thursday, said the two sides agreed to coordinate efforts to counter radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and perpetrating acts of terrorism.

Acknowledging the common threat posed by terrorism to peace and security, the two countries reaffirmed their “strong condemnation of and resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever committed and by whomever, and declared that there could be no justification for terrorism anywhere”, it said. PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had held comprehensive talks on Wednesday on bilateral, regional and international issues after which the two sides signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement and over a dozen pacts in key areas like defence, security, trade and energy. Without naming Pakistan, the statement said, “The two sides condemned efforts, including by States, to use religion to justify, sustain and sponsor terrorism against other countries.

The two leaders articulated their unequivocal resolve to cooperate on counterterrorism by adopting a policy of zero tolerance towards the menace, it said. Expressing satisfaction at the growing bilateral collaboration on counterterrorism, information-sharing and capacity-building, the two sides exuded confidence that these efforts would contribute to regional and global peace and security.