Two countries, one vision
Sheikh Mohammed and Narendra Modi write in The National
NEW DELHI // Rejecting religious extremism, fighting terrorism and enhancing defence collaboration are at the centre of an upgraded strategic partnership between the UAE and India.
Writing today in The National, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, say their personal friendship means that the traditional approach of incremental progress can be cast aside.
Instead there is “a bold new vision” in which the two countries “will contribute to a regional order that reflects our shared interest in stability, prosperity and tolerance. That is the promise that we have made to each other.” The two leaders pledge new and enhanced cooperation on defence, trade, investment, food security, renewable energy and space research.
It is on the scourge of terrorism, however, that Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Modi are most forthright. “We have been unequivocal in our rejection of religious extremism and the atmosphere of hate and terror that it has produced,” they write. “We have been equally forthright in condemning terrorism in all its manifestations, wherever committed and by whoever, and in refusing to accept false justifications for terrorism in the name of religious or political objectives.”
They urge “all states to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructures and bring perpetrators to justice. We believe this approach is crucial for fostering an environment of peace, stability and prosperity in our region.”