NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday demanded action against terrorism.
Addressing the Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar, he called for demonstrating collective will to defeat terror networks that cause bloodshed and spread fear.
“Silence and inaction on terror in Afghanistan and the region will only embolden terrorists and masters and those fund them,” Modi said.
Modi also warned against inaction in South Asia regarding counter-terrorism initiatives, Times of India reported. “Terrorism and “externally induced instability” pose the gravest threat to Afghanistan’s peace, stability and prosperity”, he said.
“On India’s part, our commitment to our brave Afghan brothers and sisters is absolute and unwavering: As such, support for voices of peace in Afghanistan alone is not enough. It must be backed by a resolute action,” Modi said.
He also stressed the need for regional connectivity between the neighbouring nations. He said India plans to connect Afghanistan with India through an air transport corridor.
In addition, “We are working towards inter-regional connectivity with Afghanistan and other parts. Afghanistan should be the centre of connectivity, not peripheral. We cannot deny that the more connected Afghanistan is, the more assured would be the economic growth of Afghanistan and the region,” Modi said, adding that Afghanistan is the link to South Asia and Central Asia.
He said India’s support for Afghanistan will continue for the foreseeable future.
“Our bilateral and regional commitments of material assistance for Afghanistan’s development needs must continue and increase,” Modi said.
