Condemning the terrorist attacks that have taken place across the world recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel on Wednesday agreed that enhanced bilateral and international cooperation is necessary to prevent and combat violent extremism and terrorism, including early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and strict compliance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions designating terrorists and terrorist groups.
The two leaders also resolved to work together to drive forward international efforts in forums like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Recognising the urgent need to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing channels, eliminating terrorist safe havens, training infrastructure and cross-border movement of terrorists, the two Prime Ministers underlined the need for all countries to effectively deal with terrorism emanating from their territory or territories under their control.
India and Belgium reiterated that there should be "zero tolerance" for terrorism-related activities, including those that are sponsored by state actors and entities and where terrorism is used as an instrument of state policy.
Reaffirming that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, both nations resolved to work together to better understand the phenomenon of radicalisation, and counter the misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and violent extremism or perpetrating terrorist acts.
Agreeing to facilitate regular exchanges of civil society to promote the values of peace, tolerance and inclusion, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared conviction that the values of humanism will prevail in countering the divisive propaganda of hatred and intolerance espoused by the forces of extremism and terrorism.
Recognising the need for enhanced cooperation in criminal matters, they committed to begin negotiations on bilateral agreements for Mutual Legal Assistance, Extradition and Transfer of Sentenced Persons at an early date.
The attacks on Brussels airport in Zaventem and Maalbeek metro station on the morning of March 22 killed 32 people, three suicide bombers and injured more than 300. The attacks were reportedly claimed by the Islamic State (IS) militant group.
