India, Tajikistan to intensify cooperation against terror

India and Tajikistan on Monday pledged to intensify cooperation against terrorism with Prime Minister Narendra Modi noting that both countries are located in the “proximity of the main source” of the menace, in an apparent reference to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

India and Tajikistan on Monday pledged to intensify cooperation against terrorism with Prime Minister Narendra Modi noting that both countries are located in the “proximity of the main source” of the menace, in 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, investment and connectivity were the other major points of discussion in the talks that the leaders held.

Two agreements in the fields of culture and skill development were signed. A bust of Rabindranath Tagore was also unveiled by the two leaders.

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 emphasised 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.