Narendra Modi-John Key joint statement: India stresses on Pakistan-sponsored terror, New Zealand vows support

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday briefed his Kiwi counterpart John Key about terrorism emanating from Pakistan and the recent Uri attack after which the two sides sought elimination of terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disruption of terrorist networks and their financing, and a halt to cross-border terrorism. According to official sources, Modi “forcefully” conveyed India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism and last month’s Uri attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists killing 19 Army soldiers. “Terrorism remains one of the greatest challenges to global peace and security. Today, the financial, logistical and information networks of terror span the entire globe. The barriers of geography do not safeguard against the threat of radicalisation and terrorism. Nations who believe in humanity need to coordinate their actions and policies to counter this threat. Prime Minister Key and I have agreed to strengthen our security and intelligence cooperation against terrorism and radicalization, including in the domain of cyber security,” Modi said at a joint media event with Key. A joint statement issued after the talks said the two Prime Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation, bilaterally as well as in the framework of UN and especially in 1267 Committee, to combat the full spectrum of terrorist threats in all their forms and manifestations. “They called for eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks and their financing, and stopping cross-border terrorism. Both sides called for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) that would contribute to the further strengthening of the international counter-terrorism legal framework,” it said. [caption id=“attachment_3074662” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his New Zealand counterpart Joh Key in New Delhi. PTI[/caption] The two Prime Ministers also pledged to continue the close coordination between the two countries on issues of mutual interest during and beyond New Zealand’s United Nations Security Council (UNSC) term, including terrorism sanctions, peacekeeping policy and UNSC reform, the statement added. New Zealand also welcomed India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime, which would strengthen global non-proliferation objectives. Asserting that his government was committed to relations with India, Key said the bilateral partnership was growing in several areas including cyber security and trade. “Both Prime Minister Modi and I underlined a strong intent in advancing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,” Key added. The two leaders also underlined the fact that India and New Zealand are both maritime nations with a strong interest in the Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions being stable and prosperous, including by ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes and freedom of navigation. Accordingly, they agreed to further strengthen the political, defence and security relationship and to drive this enhanced political-security relationship, the two Prime Ministers agreed that the sides establish a Bilateral Ministerial Dialogue through annual meetings, either in India, New Zealand or on the margins of regional or global gatherings. It was agreed that expanding business and commercial ties should continue to be one of the priority items of the partnership, Modi said, adding that the large business delegation accompanying Prime Minister Key will witness firsthand the investment opportunities on offer in India’s growth story. “We also agreed that actions by both governments should also promote greater business connectivity, including through movement of skilled professionals, between our two economies and societies. In this regard, we have agreed to continue to work closely towards an early conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement,” he said. On regional issues, the two sides have agreed to enhance cooperation, including in the East Asia Summit process. Noting that reform of international governance institutions is a shared priority for both of them, Modi said, “We are thankful for New Zealand’s support to India joining a reformed UN Security Council as a permanent member. “As we make our own contribution to the developmental efforts of the Pacific Island countries, we will continue to consult closely with New Zealand to complement and supplement each other’s efforts.”