We cannot afford differences on terrorism: Modi to Xi

BAUNAULIM (GOA): India today made it clear to China that they cannot afford to have differences on the issue of terrorism and that no country is immune from the menace, a significant statement that comes against the backdrop of Beijing’s stand on enforcing UN ban on JeM Chief Masood Azhar.

The Indian view was conveyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting here on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to be held tomorrow.

“Both India and China are victims of terrorism and the region was suffering from the menace. The Prime Minister said no country is immune from terrorism and on this issue, we cannot afford to have any differences,” MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the meeting.

He said India was in dialogue with China on enforcing a UN ban on Azhar, the brain behind the 26/11 and Pathankot attacks.

“We expect China will see logic in it,” Swarup said.

The Indian stand assumes significance against the backdrop of China continuing to block India’s move to get Azhar designated as a global terrorist. (AGENCIES)