India and Tajikistan on Monday 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.
Mr. Modi and Tajik President Emomali Rahamon also agreed to step up defence cooperation as the former 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 focii of the talks.
The two sides signed two agreements in the fields of culture and skill development. A bust of Rabindranath Tagore was also unveiled by the two leaders.
“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 Mr. Modi, who was here on the last leg of his eight-day, six-nation tour.
Rising extremism 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 interactions in the framework of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and instructed that the JWG meet at an early date.
