India, Qatar pledge to fight terrorism, internet propaganda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a Round Table meeting, at Doha, Qatar on June 5, 2016. (Photo: IANS/PIB)

Doha – India and Qatar on Sunday decided to address the menace of global terrorism through a comprehensive approach to stop flow of foreign terrorists, dismantle terrorist infrastructures and counter terror propaganda through internet among other things.

“Both sides noted that addressing the menace of global terrorism should be based on a comprehensive approach which should include, but not limited to, countering violent extremism, combating radicalisation and recruitment, disrupting terrorist movements, stopping all sources for financing of terrorism, stopping flow of foreign terrorist fighters, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, and countering terrorist propaganda through the internet,” a joint statement issued at the end of a series of high-level meetings Prime Minister Narendra Modi held here.

Modi visited Qatar at the invitation of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, and interacted with top leaders including the Emir and the Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

“The two sides discussed ways and means to further promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony,” the statement said.

Leaders from both sides welcomed exchanges and dialogue between religious scholars and intellectuals from both the countries and the organisation of conferences and seminars to promote values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare, inherent in all religions.

Expressing appreciation for their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence-sharing, developing best practices and technologies, capacity-building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes.

The Indian side appreciated Qatar’s participation in the International Fleet Review and DEFEXPO in India in February and March 2016, respectively, and the increasing visits of Qatari delegations to India’s Naval and Coast Guard establishments.

The Qatari side evinced interest in the opportunities offered under the “Make in India” initiative for joint production of defence equipment in India, the statement said.

Both Prime Minister Modi and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani at the delegation level talks highlighted that countering terrorism required a strong collective action by the global community.

“They further agreed to strengthen their cooperation in combating terrorism within the relevant multilateral institutions,” the statement said.

“The two sides described bilateral trade ties as an abiding link between the two countries,” it said, adding both sides also agreed upon the need to further strengthen these ties, particularly through diversifying the trade basket.

They agreed to encourage regular participation in each other’s trade fairs and exhibitions and to facilitate trade promotion measures.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the growing presence of Indian and Qatari companies in each other’s markets and agreed to further encourage such participation, the joint statement said.