 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at a meeting in Abu Dhabi on August 17, 2015. Photo: PTI")
In a move signalling their growing closeness, India and the UAE on Monday agreed to coordinate efforts to counter terrorism and radicalisation and to set up a dialogue between their National Security Advisors and National Security Councils.
The develoment came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with the United Arab Emirate's (UAE) Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan here.
In a joint statement, issued after talks between the two leaders, both sides agreed to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Among the measures agreed to are: Coordinate efforts to counter radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred, perpetrating and justifying terrorism or pursuing political aims, said an official statement.
Both sides will facilitate regular exchanges of religious scholars and intellectuals and organise conferences and seminars to promote the values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare that is inherent in all religions, it added.
Denounce and oppose terrorism in all forms and manifestations, and calling on all states to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they exist, and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice, it said.
It has been decided to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity building and work together for the adoption of India's proposed Comprehensive convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations.
Work together to control, regulate and share information on flow of funds that could have a bearing on radicalization activities and cooperate in interdicting illegal flows and take action against concerned individuals and organizations, the statement said.
It said strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, other trans-national crimes, extradition arrangements, as well as police training. Promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention on use of cyber for terrorism, radicalization and disturbing social harmony.
Both sides have decided to establish a dialogue between their National Security Advisors and National Security Councils.
The National Security Advisors, together with other high level representatives for security from both nations, will meet every six months. The two sides will also establish points of contact between their security agencies to further improve operational cooperation, it said.
Besides, both sides will cooperate to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean region, strengthen defence relations, including through regular exercises and training of naval, air, land and Special Forces, and in coastal defence.
India warmly welcomed the UAE's decision to participate in International Fleet Review in India in February 2016.
