INDIA-OMAN CALL TO ISOLATE ‘SPONSORS OF TERRORISM’
Both countries will coordinate efforts to counter the ‘misuse’ of religion
India and Oman will coordinate efforts to counter the "misuse" of religion by groups and states for perpetrating acts of terrorism as they called for isolating its sponsors, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
According to a joint statement issued on Monday at the end of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Oman during which he met Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, including the security situation in West and South Asia.
"The two sides acknowledged the common threat posed by terrorism to peace and security and agreed to continue working together bilaterally, regionally and globally to counter this menace," said the statement. It said the two leaders called for isolating the sponsors and supporters of terrorism and agreed that the international community should take urgent action against all such entities, which support terrorism and use it as an instrument of policy.
"The two sides agreed to coordinate efforts to counter extremism and radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and perpetrating acts of terrorism," the statement said, indirectly referring to Pakistan, which is blamed for providing safe havens to terrorists and training Islamist militants.
Prime Minister Modi and Sultan Qaboos decided to promote the experiences of India and Oman in building inclusive societies as effective models in countering extremism and radicalisation. Both sides underlined the importance of coordinated efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement. They also called for an early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations. The two leaders voiced serious concerns over the misuse of cyber space as a medium to promote subversive and extremist ideologies. They agreed to enhance cooperation in this field.
Recognising their common responsibility towards promoting regional peace and security, the two sides underlined the importance of further cementing bilateral strategic engagement, especially in the areas of security and defence. Both sides agreed to provide further impetus to the robust defence relations, including through regular holding of joint exercises by the three defence forces, training of navy, air and army officials, as also cooperation in the area of coastal defence.
They agreed to enhance cooperation to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean regions, vital for the security and prosperity of both countries. Modi offered India's partnership and cooperation in areas such as minerals and mining, manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and fisheries, IT and IT enabled-services, skills development, innovation etc. He reiterated India's offer to share India's experience and capabilities with Oman in development of its renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power etc. Both sides agreed to pursue opportunities in the health care industry, including in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors and resolved to encourage their private sectors to explore participation in these areas.
They stressed the need for the UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective. Modi thanked Sultan Qaboos for Oman's consistent support for India's candidature for permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.