India, Tajikistan to intensify cooperation against terror

Dushanbe: India and Tajikistan today pledged to intensify cooperation against terrorism with Prime Minister Narendra Modi noting that the two countries are located in the "proximity of the main source" of the menace, an apparent reference to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Modi and Tajik President Emomali Rahamon also agreed to step up defence cooperation as the Indian leader reiterated the country's commitment to supporting the development of Tajikistan?s defence capacities to enhance stability and security.

Boosting trade and investment and connectivity were the other major issues of the talks that the two leaders held as part of efforts to take their ties to newer heights.

The two sides signed two agreements in the fields of culture and skill development. The two leaders also unveiled a bust of Rabindranath Tagore.

"We are located in the proximity of the main source of terrorism," Modi said after the talks at a joint media appearance with Rahamon.

Though he did not elaborate, the reference was clearly to Pakistan and Afghanistan, which are seen as the countries from where international terror emanates.

"Combating terrorism and extremism has always been an important and productive area of cooperation.. At a time of growing threat of terrorism, we have resolved to intensify our cooperation further," said Modi, who was here on the last leg of his eight-day six-nation tour.

A joint statement issued later said "The two leaders noted the rising trend of extremism and terrorism in many parts of the world and in their immediate neighbourhood, posing a threat to India and Tajikistan as well as the region."

They decided to reinvigorate official-level interactions in the framework of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism for strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism and instructed that the JWG meet at an early date.

The leaders emphasized the need for continued cooperation between their security agencies including information sharing mechanisms to counter the growing menace of extremism and terrorism, the statement added.

Both sides further emphasized the need for adoption of the long pending "Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism" by the UN. Underlining the importance of a stable and secure environment for economic development and prosperity of their countries, the two sides agreed to continue their active engagement and cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism. They reaffirmed their determination to act resolutely against organizations and agencies that support terrorism.

In the energy sector, the Tajik President sought greater Indian engagement in the field of hydropower generation in his country as the two leaders noted the vast untapped hydropower potential.

With regard to connectivity, they asked the authorities to find constructive ways and means to increase the frequency of flights on the Delhi-Dushanbe sector, including the provision of 'Fifth Freedom' rights for carriers, to help facilitate trade and economic linkages as well as tourism and greater people-to-people interactions.

They identified cooperation in food processing, mining, pharmaceuticals, textiles, skill development, science & technology, Information Technology, culture and tourism as promising areas for further cooperation.

Identifying agriculture as an important area of cooperation, Modi addressed a workshop on the subject, spelling out seven aspects, including exchange of scientists, experience-sharing in contract farming, exploring credit support for supply of farm and post-harvest processes and collaboration in water conservation, micro-irrigation and improving health of farm soil.

In the health sector, India proposed to implement a tele-medicine project in Tajikistan by connecting reputed multi-speciality hospitals in India with hospitals in Dushanbe and other regions of this country for offering medical consultation and education.

Modi conveyed his appreciation to the Tajik President for his country's continued support for India's candidature for permanent membership of UNSC.

Referring to grant of membership to India last week in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) of which Tajikistan is a member, the Prime Minister said it add a new dimension to India-Tajikistan partnership.

He presented Rahamon a specially commissioned miniature painting of the tomb of the 17th century Indian poet Abdul Qadir Bedil who is regarded, especially in Tajikistan, as one of the greatest masters of Persian poetry.                                                                               

Born in 1644 in Patna, Bedil was influenced by Sufism and wrote 16 books of poetry. Bedil died in Delhi where his tomb, Bagh-e-Bedil is located.

Modi also laid a wreath at the Ismaili Somoni Monument, built in the memory of the founder of Tajikistan. Earlier, he was accorded a ceremonial reception.

Addressing a function while unveiling Tagore's bust, Modi said a message was going out that India and Tajikistan are linked only because of cooperation in 'sampati and shastra' (wealth and defence) but also 'shaastra' (knowledge), as preached by the Indian Nobel laureate.