AMN /
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged world leaders to demonstrate strong collective will to defeat terror network that cause bloodshed and spread fear.
In his inaugural address at the 6th Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Amritsar today, Mr Modi said, terrorism and externally induced instability pose the gravest threat for Afghanistan’s peace, stability and prosperity. He said, silence and inaction against terrorism in Afghanistan and in South Asia region will only embolden terrorists and their masters. He said, support for voices of peace in Afghanistan alone is not enough and it must be backed by a resolute action.
The Prime Minister also called for action not just against forces of terrorism but also against those who support, shelter and finance them. Mr Modi said, since the turn of the century, the international community has extensively engaged in Afghanistan and the Heart of Asia conference re-affirms commitment of the international community to durable peace and lasting political stability in Afghanistan. He said, the nations must protect and build on the gains of the last fifteen years and march ahead.
He said, as India implements its additional commitments, it is also open to work with other like-minded partners for the development of Afghanistan. Mr Modi said, India’s commitment to its brave Afghan brothers and sisters is absolute and unwavering. The Prime Minister also stressed on working together to build stronger positive connectivity between Afghanistan and other countries of the region.
In his address at the Conference, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said, India Afghanistan ties show convergence of interests and values. Mr Ghani said, India’s support to Afghanistan aimed at improving people’s life and is transparent with no strings attached. He said, trilateral Chabahar agreement signed between India, Afghanistan and Iran is a major step in transforming Afghanistan from a land locked country to land bridge.
Snubbing Pakistan for exporting terror, Mr Ghani said, the 500 million dollars promised by Islamabad for Afghan reconstruction will be better used to fight terrorism. He said, there is a need to identify cross-border terrorism and a fund to combat terrorism. He said, Taliban has acknowledged that it gets support from Pakistan.
Earlier, Mr Modi and Mr Ghani jointly inaugurated the ministerial deliberations at the Heart of Asia conference.
The conference will discuss peace, cooperation and economic development in Afghanistan. Delegates of more than 30 countries are participating in the conference in Amritsar. Mr Modi and Mr Ghani also held bilateral talks in Amritsar focusing on a range of key issues including boosting trade and investment, India’s reconstruction activities in the war-ravaged country and strengthening defence and security partnership.
The issue of firming up an air cargo service pact between the two countries is understood to have figured in the talks which will give India a leverage in Afghanistan as Pakistan continued to deny transit link through its territory. In the meeting this morning, Mr Modi assured Mr Ghani of India’s continued support for ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan.