India, Singapore vow to fight those who encourage terrorism

India and Singapore have vowed to fight terrorism and "all those" who encourage, support and finance it, asserting there can be no justification for terror acts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong recognised that "terrorism continues to remain the single most significant threat to peace and stability", a joint statement issued during Lee's India visit said today.
It said during their talks on Tuesday, the two leaders reiterated their "strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever".

Lee expressed his condolences to the Indian government and the families of the victims of the Uri attack in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed, and stated that Singapore strongly condemns terrorist attacks of all forms.
"The two Prime Ministers affirmed their resolve to fight against global terrorism, terror organisations and networks and all those who encourage, support and finance them. They called for reinvigorating multilateral action on terrorism, including through the finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations at the earliest," the statement said.
During Lee's five-day visit that will conclude tomorrow, three MoUs were also signed between Singapore and India -- including one dealing with Intellectual Property rights to facilitate greater business to business exchanges and collaborations.

Modi and Lee expressed satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation to address common security concerns, such as in the areas of counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber security and illicit drug trafficking.

The two Prime Ministers recognised the importance of further strengthening economic cooperation between India and Singapore and the many complementaries and opportunities that exist between the two countries.
In this regard, they noted the holding of meetings by the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment and the Financial Dialogue Preparatory Meeting as important initiatives as envisaged under the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership.
Modi welcomed the listing of Masala Bonds on the Singapore Exchange and briefed Lee about the efforts made to boost investments into India in the field of infrastructure development.

Modi and Lee held "wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues in a warm, cordial and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the excellent bilateral ties," the statement said.
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"They reviewed and expressed satisfaction over the good progress in the bilateral relationship since the signing of the Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership on 24 November 2015 during the official visit of Prime Minister Modi to Singapore," the joint statement said.
Modi and Lee lauded the cooperation between both sides at regional and international fora and reaffirmed efforts to strengthen cooperation particularly in the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and related forums and as well as other regional cooperation mechanisms.

India welcomed the realisation of the ASEAN Community and expressed full support for ASEAN's centrality in the evolving regional structure.
Singapore welcomed and highlighted the vital role that India played in the regional architecture, especially through its participation in and support for ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus), East Asia Summit (EAS), and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).
During the visit, Lee called on President Pranab Mukherjee. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Lee. He also visited Udaipur.
Modi and Lee "reaffirmed the strong cooperation in the area of smart cities and urban solutions", the statement said.

The prime ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate in skills development through knowledge sharing and capacity building.
Modi and Lee recognised the importance of the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in providing the foundation for economic cooperation. The Chief Negotiators would meet for an early conclusion of the Second Review.
To support growing economic links, the two leaders also recognised the importance of exploring the expansion of air connectivity to support new and commercially viable air links between and beyond both countries, and to broaden cooperation in the aviation, maritime and logistics sectors, including through capacity building and the sharing of best practices.

Modi and Lee also discussed furthering "already strong economic ties" and agreed to appoint senior ministers from both sides to explore new and innovative ways to cooperate and find "win-win outcomes" and report back to them, the statement said.
Both sides shared convergence of views on various regional and international issues, including the regional security situation in Asia. They reiterated their desire and determination to work together to maintain peace, stability, growth and prosperity in Asia and beyond, the statement said.
Both sides reiterated their support for security, safety and freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

"Both sides also called on all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of actions that could escalate tensions in the region," the statement said.