NEW DELHI, Oct 8: President Ram Nath Kovind led delegation-level talks on Monday with his Tajik counterpart, President Emamoli Rahmon, during his tour of Tajikistan when the two sides inked nine agreements in defense, space technology, disaster management, connectivity projects, culture, AYUSH, renewable energy , youth and sports among others.
During the discussions Mr Kovind appreciated the lead Tajikistan had taken in fighting terrorism and emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, said a Rashtrapati Bhavan press release issued here.
The President said India was proud of its strategic partnership and age-old friendship with Tajikistan.
On the occasion, India announced a grant of USD 20 million for developmental assistance projects identified by Tajikistan.
He stressed the importance of defence and connectivity projects to advance Indo-Tajik relations for the benefit of the people of both countries.
The two Presidents also discussed the common challenge of terrorism, particularly in the context of Afghanistan.
Later, while delivering a lecture on the theme of ‘Countering Radicalisation: Challenges in Modern Societies’ at the University of Tajikistan in Dushanbe, Mr Kovind said the battle against terrorism, extremism and radicalism must be fought, primarily, in the minds of people ? between those who believe in peace and humanity and those who feed on death and destruction.
“It is a battle of opposing ideas. Talking to the youth as well as to our scholars and pathfinders therefore becomes essential,” he said.
“Tajikistan has done commendable work to tackle this global menace, and the world must recognise its efforts and success,” he said.
Observing that terrorism does not believe in borders, he said India, like Tajikistan, was taking on terrorism and extremism.
“We too face the problem of radicalisation but our inclusive society, where socio-economic partnerships and participatory politics provide everybody with an inherent sense of belonging, has been our most effective bulwark. Plural and democratic India is a land of equal opportunity and equal respect for all. And a growing economy lifts one and lifts all.”
The agreements signed by the two countries were on cooperation in disaster management and peaceful use of space technology for development.
The two sides signed an agreement between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Tajik Academy of Agriculture Sciences
Another pact was signed between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Committee of Youth, Sports and Tourism, Government of Tajikistan.
The Centre Council for Research in Unani Medicine, Ministry of AYUSH and the Tajik State Medical University Abualibh Sino also agreed to cooperate.
A programme of cooperation between the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Tajikistan, was signed for the period 2018-21.
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan also agreed on cooperation in renewable energy.
A pact was inked on cultural exchange programme between the Ministries of Culture of India and Tajikistan for the period 2019-23.
Another agreement for academic and research exchanges between the Vivekananda International Foundation, India, and the Centre for Strategic Researches, Tajikistan was also signed.
On Tuesday the President will hold separate bilateral meetings with the Chairman of Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli (Lower House of the Parliament of Tajikistan), and Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda.
He will also visit the Ayni Air Force Base, before returning to Delhi.
(UNI)
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