BERLIN, Apr 14:
Asking the international community to treat terrorism as “sensitively” as nuclear proliferation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the world should collectively put pressure on countries which provide shelter to terrorists, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
The Prime Minister also made a strong pitch for the conclusion of the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN this year which marks the 70th anniversary of the global body. The objective of the CCIT is to strengthen cooperation to combat international terrorism.
Addressing a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel here after their talks during which they discussed the menace of terrorism, Modi described it as the “biggest threat to humanity” and said all those believing in humanity should speak in one voice and intensify collective efforts to tackle it.
“Terrorism is a challenge to the whole world…This issue should be dealt with as sensitively as nuclear proliferation,” the Prime Minister said.
He further added that “We need to work on how we can stop sources from where the weapons are supplied. How we can put pressure on the countries where Governments provide shelter to terrorists…We need to isolate such countries and Governments,” he said.
Modi’s remarks came four days after a Pakistan court released LeT operations commander and the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, which evoked a sharp reaction and concern from several countries including the US, France and Israel.
Strongly protesting Lakhvi’s release, India said it “eroded” the value of Pakistan’s commitment to tackle terror.
In his initial remarks at the press interaction, Modi said, “The spread of terrorism is growing and its character is changing. The threat is coming close to us across every region of the world. We need a comprehensive global strategy to deal with this global challenge, in which India and Germany can work together.”
German Chancellor Merkel also said the two countries have agreed to fight against terrorism collectively, describing it as a global challenge.
Equally, in the coming days, maritime cyber and space security would be a matter of concern to everyone and the two countries should increase the cooperation in this area as well, Modi said.
He also talked about instability and violence in West Asia, saying it “affects the security of our citizens at home”.
Modi also stressed the importance of peaceful and democratic development of Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Modi today announced that a mechanism will be established to facilitate investment and business from Germany as the two countries agreed to broaden bilateral economic cooperation.
Modi made the announcement after talks here with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who both had interactions in the last two days after the inauguration of Hannover Fair and the India Pavillion there.
“I feel deeply encouraged by the enthusiasm and interest that I have seen in Chancellor Merkel and Germany. Equally, the feedback that I have got will be of great benefit to me in framing our policies.
“I have also decided that we will establish a mechanism for German companies to facilitate their investment and business in India,” he said in a joint media interaction along with Merkel.
Modi said the objective of his visit to Germany was not only to invite the German industry to India, but to assure them that “they would find an open and stable environment, which would be easy to do business in; and that they will have my full support to invest and work in India.”
In her remarks Merkel said the two countries have decided to develop a broad-based relationship.
She said the two sides have agreed that bilateral economic cooperation will be developed further when she visits India in October.
“I will bring a number of cabinet members along with me and take stalk of our relationship at political level,” she said.
A joint statement issued at the end of his three-day visit said the two countries have established a robust roadmap for expanding their multi-faceted and mutually-beneficial ties and to further strengthen strategic partnership.
Earlier, Modi, who is in Berlin on the second leg of his three-nation tour, was accorded a ceremonial welcome.
“Yesterday in Hannover, she (Merkel) accepted the invitation of India’s Lion to raise the level of Germany’s engagement in India and assured me of a strong response by Germany’s Eagle. I believe that there will be a strong partnership between the King of the Earth, Lion and the King of the Skies, the Eagle,” he told reporters after his talks with Merkel.
“We look forward to our 3rd Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) in India in October 2015. Our Strategic Partnership is entering a new and more intensive phase,” the two leaders said in the joint statement.
“We view each other’s development as mutually reinforcing and offering significant opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two countries.
“Our common objective is to encourage greater synergies between German engineering, experience in sustainable development, innovation and skills, and the new opportunities available in India and through ‘Make in India’, ‘Clean India’, ‘Digital India’ and other initiatives towards achieving economic growth and sustainable development,” they said.
The two leaders said they were exploring ways of expanding bilateral dialogue on foreign policy and security issues.
“Taking our partnership into the future, we will also work together on meeting global challenges such as climate change, energy and food security,” the two leaders said.
The two sides also agreed to take proactive steps to advance their collaboration in manufacturing, skill development, urban development, environment, railways, cleaning of rivers, renewable energy, education, language and science and technology.
“Germany is a strong partner in the development of clean energy. We would also like your cooperation on manufacturing of equipment for clean and renewable energy in India; and enhance our shared efforts to address the challenge of climate change,” Modi said.
“We would also like to enhance our cooperation in the area of advanced technology and defence manufacturing. I hope that the German companies would participate enthusiastically in this and that your Government would support them fully.”
He said he also discussed international developments with Merkel.
“We in India believe that economic momentum in Europe is important for the global economy and European stability for global peace. The world looks to Germany for leadership in addressing both challenges. I also congratulate her on the successful outcome of talks with Iran. This will be beneficial for the entire region. Instability and violence in West Asia affects the security of our citizens at home.
“Peaceful and democratic development of Afghanistan is important for both of us. The direction that Asia-Pacific region will take in this century will be of great significance to the entire world,” he said.
Responding to a question, Modi said during his discussion with German business leaders he could feel that they are ready to work with India in sectors like skill development, vocational education, technology upgradation and defence manufacturing.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi met the CEO of Allianz, Oliver Baete in the German capital. Modi also then met the Foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The leaders were accompanied by a high-level delegation and held bilateral talks. (PTI)
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