Growing arc of terrorist violence is posing threat to the region: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there was a need to demonstrate strong and collective will to defeat terror networks that cause bloodshed and spread fear
AMRITSAR: In a clear message to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for “resolute action” not just against forces of terrorism but also against those who support, shelter, train and finance them, saying silence and inaction will only embolden terrorists and their masters.
In his address at the 6th conference of Heart of Asia, a platform to help Afghanistan in its transition, Modi said the growing arc of terrorist violence is posing the gravest threat to the region.
“Terrorism and externally induced instability pose the gravest threat to Afghanistan’s peace, stability and prosperity. And, the growing arc of terrorist violence endangers our entire region. As such, support for voices of peace in Afghanistan alone is not enough.
“It must be backed by resolute action. Not just against forces of terrorism, but also against those who support, shelter, train and finance them,” Modi said.
He was speaking after jointly inaugurating the annual Ministerial conference here along with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani which is being attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz along with representatives of around 30 countries.
“Silence and inaction against terrorism in Afghanistan and our region will only embolden terrorists and their masters. Our bilateral and regional commitments of material assistance for Afghanistan’s development and humani- tarian needs must continue and increase,” the prime minister said.
The prime minister said there was a need to demonstrate strong and collective will to defeat terror networks that cause bloodshed and spread fear. Expressing India’s strong commitment to Afghanistan’s transition, Modi said, “On India’s part, our commitment to our brave Afghan brothers and sisters is absolute and unwavering. The welfare of Afghanistan and its people is close to our hearts and minds.”
He also called for an Afghanled, Afghan-owned and Afghancontrolled peace process to bring stability to the country.
Calling for sustained and sincere global efforts to bring “durable peace and lasting political stability” to Afghanistan, Modi said securing its territory and citizens from external threats must be a focus area for the “critical unfinished mission of our time”.
“We have no doubt about the scale of the challenge. But, we are equally determined to succeed,” he said, adding the results of collective efforts thus far have been hardwon, but mixed. He said there was a need to reflect with urgency on what more must be done and what must be avoided in Afghanistan so that its citizens can self-sustain peace and economic growth. Noting that all those involved in Afghanistan’s transition must build on the gains of the last 15 years, he said what was at stake is not just the future of Afghanistan that has invested in a vision of development, democracy, and pluralism but the peace and stability of the entire region, and beyond.