PM Modi, Egyptian Prez El-Sisi call for zero tolerance towards terrorism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Wednesday (January 25) called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and strongly condemned its use as a foreign policy instrument, in what is seen as an oblique reference to Pakistan’s support to various terror groups.
In their wide-ranging talks, Modi and El-Sisi spent some time deliberating on the challenge of terrorism and pitched for concerted efforts to deal with it, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said.
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“Both leaders strongly condemned the use of terrorism by countries as a foreign policy instrument and called for zero tolerance to terrorism,” Kwatra said at a media briefing.
In his media statement, Modi said India and Egypt are worried about the spread of terrorism around the world.
“We are unanimous in the opinion that terrorism is the most serious security threat to humanity. Both countries also agree that concerted action is necessary to end cross-border terrorism,” the prime minister said.
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“And for this, together we will continue to try to alert the international community,” he added.
Modi said the misuse of cyberspace to spread extremist ideologies and radicalisation is a growing menace. “We will extend cooperation against this also,” he added.
El-Sisi echoed Modi’s views on terrorism and said united efforts are required to deal with the menace.
“We have similar views on dealing with terrorism and extremism,” he said.
The 68-year-old influential Arab leader, who arrived here on a three-day visit on Tuesday, will grace the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest.
Delighted to welcome President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and hold talks with him to boost cooperation between India and Egypt. @AlsisiOfficial pic.twitter.com/BG9AnVWSuO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2023
It is learnt that Pakistan’s support to terrorism figured in the talks between Modi and Sisi.
The prime minister said there is immense potential for enhancing the security and defence cooperation between the two sides.
“We have also decided in today’s meeting to further strengthen cooperation between our defence industries, and enhance the exchange of information and intelligence related to counter-terrorism,” he said.
The foreign secretary said the two leaders also emphasised the need for “concerted and coordinated action” to confront terrorism and decided to explore how both sides can join hands at larger international platforms to ensure that the global community comes together to act against terrorism.
President @AlsisiOfficial and I discussed ways to augment cooperation in healthcare, environment and global supply chains. We also talked about issues pertaining to security and the need to end cross-border terrorism. pic.twitter.com/FkxiriP0fl
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2023
