Amid a spurt in terror attacks in various countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said terrorism is the “gravest threat” to the world, “equally impacting” India and Mozambique which agreed to strengthen security and defence ties and bolster cooperation in food security.
After Mr. Modi’s wide-ranging talks with Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi here, the two countries signed three pacts, including a significant “long-term agreement” under which India will buy pulses from this African nation to meet its recurring shortfall and contain prices of this commodity.
‘A reliable partner’
Declaring India as a “trusted friend” and a “reliable partner” of Mozambique, the Prime Minister also announced that essential medicines, including those for treating AIDS, would be donated to this country as part of efforts to strengthen its public health system.
India will also help build capacities of Mozambique’s security forces, Mr. Modi said with a vow to “walk every step” with this country on its path of development and progress.
He identified agriculture, healthcare, energy security, security, defence and skill development as some of the areas having potential for cooperation.
Social benefits
“We want our development and economic ties to benefit our societies. We also want our partnership to ensure the safety and security of our people,” he said at a joint media interaction with Mr. Nyusi after their talks during which the two leaders discussed ways to enhance trade and investment and step up cooperation in other fields.
While talking about the challenges, Mr. Modi said “President Nyusi and I recognise that terrorism is the gravest security threat facing the world today. Mozambique and India are no exceptions. Terrorism impacts India and Mozambique equally.”
“The networks of terror are inter-linked with other trans-national crimes. Our agreement on prevention of drug trafficking is a testimony to our shared determination to combat this menace and these networks,” said Mr. Modi who oversaw India and Mozambique sign the pact on the occasion.
Noting that India and Mozambique are connected by the Indian Ocean, he talked about the “emerging security challenges”, including in the maritime areas.
“It is an ocean of many economic opportunities. But, we are also aware of the emerging strategic and security challenges in the maritime domain,” said the Prime Minister who was later hosted for banquet by the Mozambican President.
Security cooperation
Kallol Bhattacherjee reports from New Delhi:
India and Mozambique agreed to cooperate to meet “strategic and security challenges” emerging in mainland Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
The declaration of this new generation of partnership was made by the Prime Minister at the Mozambique capital Maputo which is the first stop in his four-nation Africa visit.
Indian Ocean cooperation
“The two leaders agreed to cooperate on strategic and security challenges in the Indian Ocean through capacity and institution building, training, relevant equipment supply and security of the coastline,” an official told the media.
Underlining that India and Mozambique “face similar challenges” as the developing countries, Mr. Modi told Nyusi: “We will be a trusted friend in your development and a reliable partner in ensuring a bright, safe and secure future for our people.”
