Modi: Time for “decisive battle” against terrorism

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was in UAE for a two-day visit sent out a message to Pakistan from Arab soil, saying that the theory of “good Taliban and bad Taliban” would not work anymore and that the “message was clear to those whom it was intended for”.

Modi, without naming Pakistan, said that India wants good relations with all neighbouring countries. “I keep telling all neighbouring countries that like all people who have chosen the path of violence will have to come to the dialogue table at some point of time, similarly dialogue is the only way to resolve issues.”

“Terrorism does not have any boundary… Everyone will have to decide whether they are with terrorism or against it,” the Prime Minister said in his 70-minute address.

He said “false distinction” between good terrorism and bad terrorism will not work and action must be taken against all those involved in perpetrating violence.

The Indian PM said that time was ripe for a decisive fight against terrorism, adding that the international community should decide whether they are with those sponsoring terrorism or against it.

Leaving a message for ‘perpetrators of terror’, Narendra Modi said those who indulge in terrorism must be punished. “This is the message that has resonated from here today,” he said.

For the first time, reflecting changed geopolitical realities, India and the UAE agreed to “enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing” and control of flow of terror funds. In a breakthrough agreement, both countries will “control, regulate and share information on flow of funds that could have a bearing on radicalization activities and cooperate in interdicting illegal flows and take action against concerned individuals and organizations”.

This comes as Media reports have always alleged and implicated terrorism in India to be sponsored by Pakistan, particularly through its Inter-Services Intelligence ISI.