Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the world to speak in one voice against terrorism and said that countries must be held accountable for sanctuaries and support to terror. "Terrorism does not just take a toll on lives, but can derail economies," Modi said at the 37th Singapore Lecture. "We must delink terrorism from religion and assert the human value that defines every faith," he said.
During his address at the 13th Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India Summit at Kuala Lumpur Modi also sought enhanced cooperation from Asean to fight the scourge of terrorism while saying that India and the southeast Asian regional grouping remained the two bright spots of optimism in these troubled global times. "We meet at a time of multiple global challenges: economic uncertainties, political turmoil and security threats," Modi said. "We have excellent bilateral cooperation with Asean members and we should see how we can enhance our cooperation at the regional and international level, including through support for adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism," he said.
Describing terrorism as the biggest threat to the world, he said it was important to ensure that no country supported terror. Addressing the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur, Modi also said terror must be delinked from religion. “Terrorism knows no boundaries. It uses the name of religion to draw people to its cause but kills people of all faiths,'' Modi said.
“We have to delink religion from terror. The only distinction is between those who believe in humanity and those who do not. We also have to work within the society, specially the youth,'' he said. Pitching for a united global fight against terrorism, Modi said it must be ensured that “no country promotes terrorism, there is no sanctuary, there are no funds and no arms.”
In his speech at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Modi said it was important to ensure that the internet did not become a recruiting ground for terrorism.“We can strengthen intelligence cooperation. We can use military force. We can make the international legal system for cooperation stronger,'' he said.
“But we also have to work within our societies and with our youth. We need the support of parents, communities and religions scholars. And, we have to make sure that internet does not become a recruiting ground,'' he added. Speaking earlier at the East Asia Summit, Modi said terrorism was no longer a “peripheral problem“ for Southeast Asia and called for newer strategies to combat the menace.
Excellent relationship with Singapore
Talking about India's relationship with Singapore Modi said: "Today Singapore is one of our most important partners in World, it's a relationship which is as strategic as it is wide-ranging." "Singapore teaches us many things. The size of a nation is no barrier to the scale of its achievements. And the lack of resources is no constraint for inspiration, imagination and innovation," he said. "It has inspired this region's progress and led in its integration," Modi said, adding, "Singapore's success became an aspiration for Indians. And, in turn, India became the hope for a more peaceful, balanced and stable world."
Noting that India and Singapore have been together at many crossroads of time, Modi said, "We stood together at the dawn of freedom ... Singapore success has become India's springboard to the world and gateway to the East."
"We have comprehensive defence and security cooperation. Singapore is the biggest investment source," Modi said. Starting from the first IT park in Bengaluru, the partnership has now moved to the newest city of Amaravathi, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, he noted.
Fruitful olds talks with Asean leaders
On India-China relations, Modi said, "India and China will engage constructively across the complexity of their relationship as two self-assured and confident nations, aware of their interests and responsibilities." "Just as China's rise has driven the global economy, the world looks to China to help advance global and regional peace and stability," he said.
Noting that India and China constitute two-fifth of humanity and two of the world's fastest growing major economies, Modi said, "China's economic transformation is an inspiration for us."
On ties with Japan, PM Modi said, "There are few partnerships that enjoy so much goodwill in India as our relations with Japan." Modi said that after a temporary decline, trade between India and the Asean countries increased to about $76.5 billion in 2014-15. "Asean block remains the largest investment partner both for inward and outward flows," he said. He, however, said that much of the potential for economic partnership between the two sides remained untapped. "I am confident that our trade and investment will expand, as our economies grow."
Talking to the diaspora about his government's work, Modi said, “The wheels of change have begun to move. And, they are gathering speed now. And, it is showing in numbers.” He said India is today the fastest growing major economy in the world. “I know you feel proud about it. We are running at 7.5% per year, but will grow even faster in the coming years,“ he said.
