The Heart of Asia conference attended by PM Modi and President Ghani looks at ways to help in Afghanistan’s reconstruction [Xinhua]
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed the need to eradicate terror networks that threaten south Asia.
“We must demonstrate strong collective will to defeat terror networks. Support for peace alone is not enough. It must be backed by resolute action,” Modi said at the inauguration of the Heart of Asia Summit, which looks at ways to help in Afghanistan’s reconstruction.
“Silence and inaction against terrorism in Afghanistan and our region will only embolden terrorists and their masters,” he added.
The two-day summit of some 40 nations was held in the Indian city of Amritsar, which lies close to the border with Pakistan, and focused largely on how to route out terrorism, with particular emphasis on such Pakistan-based groups as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad.
Afghanistan serves as the permanent chair of the summit, and its President Ashraf Ghani met with Modi beforehand to discuss boosting trade and investment, India’s reconstruction projects in Afghanistan and strengthening defense and security partnerships.
“Terrorism is the biggest threat to Afghanistan’s peace and our region. We must counter terrorists and their masters. We must demonstrate strong collective will to defeat terror network that cause bloodshed and spread fear,” Modi said.
India and Afghanistan signed three agreements when the two leaders last met in September, including an extradition treaty.
The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies
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