India tells NZealand about Pak-sponsored terror

Against the backdrop of Uri attack, India today apprised New Zealand about Pakistan- sponsored terrorism and pitched for isolating such countries which harbour terrorists.
The issue came up when Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who is leading an Indian Parliamentary delegation to New Zealand, called on Acting Prime Minister Bill English here.
With obvious reference to Pakistan, she raised the issue of state-sponsored terrorism and said India has long been a victim of the dastardly attacks by cross-border terrorists.
In this regard, she said all peace-loving countries in the world should come together to fight terrorism.
She stressed that time had come to isolate the countries which harbour terrorists, a statement from her office said.

India witnessed the latest terror attack emanating from Pakistan on Sunday when four terrorists struck at an army camp in Uri in Kashmir, killing 18 soldiers and injuring about 25.

Mahajan noted that India, historically and traditionally, has been a follower of non-violence, believing in living together in harmony to promote prosperity, friendship and peace across the world, the statement said.
The Speaker also sought New Zeland's support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a bid for which failed at the June meeting of the grouping.
The membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group is imperative for India's clean energy, she told English while noting that nuclear energy is an important component for achieving the goals of sustainable development.

India's NSG membership would, therefore, strengthen global non-proliferation objectives and, in that context, India looks forward to the support and cooperation of New Zealand, Mahajan added.
With regard to India's candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, the Speaker appreciated New Zealand's recognition of India's credentials.
She said both the countries realize the inadequacy of the existing UN systems to respond to challenges that confront the international community.
Complementing New Zealand's achievements in dairy and food processing industries, Mahajan said India needs to learn from their remarkable experiences in this particular sector.
She invited investors and entrepreneurs from New Zealand to join Indian counterparts in the "Make in India" programme. She further noted that the progress of the FTA negotiations between India and New Zealand has been very encouraging.

In her meeting with David Carter, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, Mahajan noted that both India and New Zealand have a healthy tradition of parliamentary exchanges and cooperation.
This has added to the friendship and goodwill between the two countries and India looks forward to sustaining this momentum, she said.
She commended the Indian Diaspora for playing a constructive and meaningful role in strengthening the bilateral relationship.