India, Jordan agree to enhance cooperation against terrorism

India and Jordan on Saturday agreed to enhance their cooperation in counter-terrorism measures and defence during talks between visiting President Pranab Mukherjee and King Abdullah.

India and Jordan on Saturday agreed to enhance their cooperation in counter-terrorism measures and defence during talks between visiting President Pranab Mukherjee and King Abdullah of Jordan.

President Pranab Mukherjee shakes hands with King Abdullah of Jordan during a meeting at the Al Husseinieh Palace in Amman.(AFP)

Embarking on a 6-day visit to Jordan, Palestine and Israel, Mukherjee conferred with the Jordanian monarch on a wide variety of subjects, including terrorism, UN Security Council reforms, enhancement of bilateral trade.

The two leaders agreed that there should be greater cooperation on counter-terrorism and defence for which mechanisms will be worked out.

On the first day of his two-day visit to Jordan, Mukherjee informed the King that India would provide a line of credit worth 100 million dollar to Jordan, the details of which will be worked out shortly. The two leaders also did a virtual inauguration of the world ‘s largest sulphuric acid plant set up at a cost of 860 million dollar in Eshidiya, 325 km from Amman.

The Jordanian monarch, who hosted a lunch for the President shortly after his arrival, supported India’s candidature in a reformed UN Security Council. He also endorsed India’s approach on UN reforms, an Indian spokesperson said later.

The issue of 39 Indians believed to be in the captivity of Islamic State did not specifically come up, the spokesperson said, adding that India was in touch with all the countries in the region in this regard.

Mukherjee endorsed the King’s recent call at the UN that it was the right time to sound a warning on terrorism and extremism which does not respect any religion. The menace threatened the basic safety and security of the world.