Modi in Brussels: PM pitches for pacts to fight terror

Watch |Modi in Brussels:Modi Calls On All Nations To Unite Against Terrorism

“Last week has been a sad week for Belgium. Let me say Prime Minister, that we share the depth of sorrow and grief that the people of Belgium have experienced in the last eight days… Having experienced terrorist violence ourselves on countless occasions, we share your pain… In this time of crisis, the whole of India stands in full support and solidarity with the Belgian people. I deeply appreciate your welcome and the time that you have devoted to me despite pressing demands on you,” said Modi, after his talks with the Belgian leader.

“As part of our efforts to respond to this common challenge, we could resume discussions on a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. Negotiations on an extradition treaty and a treaty on exchange of sentenced prisoners could be concluded expeditiously,” he said.

Read | PM Modi pays tribute to Brussels terror attacks victims

The two countries vowed to work together to counter the “misuse” of religion by groups and countries for perpetrating terror acts, as they underlined the need for all nations to effectively deal with terrorism emanating from their soil or territories under their control. In a joint statement, the two sides reaffirmed their belief that “no issue or cause can justify dreadful and indiscriminate acts of violence against innocent people.”

The two sides recognised the “urgent need to disrupt terror networks and their financing channels, eliminate terrorist safe havens, training infrastructure and cross-border movement of terrorists.”

Modi and Michel agreed that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. “India and Belgium resolved to work together to better understand the phenomenon of radicalisation, and counter the misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and violent extremism or perpetrating terrorist acts,” the joint statement said. It said the two sides also agreed to facilitate regular exchanges of civil society to promote the values of peace, tolerance and inclusion.

“The two Prime Ministers underlined the need for all countries to effectively deal with terrorism emanating from their territory or territories under their control. Both sides reiterated that there should be zero tolerance for terrorism-related activities including those that are sponsored by state actors and entities and where terrorism is used as an instrument of state policy,” the statement said.

“They agreed that the growing menace of terrorism knows no boundaries and its root causes and manifestations must be tackled through united efforts by the international community,” it said.

Modi, who arrived in Brussels on a day-long visit, also invited the Belgian government and companies to proactively associate with India’s ambitious projects including ‘Digital India’, ‘Start Up India’ and ‘Skill India’.

Referring to various partnership possibilities between the two countries, Modi said Belgian businesses can make their global supply chains more cost effective by manufacturing in India. “Clearly, it is not just diamonds that can bring shine to our partnership,” he added.

The two sides also agreed to schedule a state visit to India in 2017 by Belgian King Philippe to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Belgium.

Full Text of PM Modi’s statement: