India and Bahrain today denounced terrorism calling it a "hazard" to all countries and said terrorist in one country cannot be glorified as a freedom fighter by another, an apparent reference to Pakistan's praise for Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani.
A joint statement, issued after Home Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with and Bahrain Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa here, said both the countries agreed on their strong stances against all forms of terrorism, saying "terrorism is a hazard to all countries and communities".
Rashid said Bahrain is looking forward to working with India in the fight against terrorism and in strengthening the mutual and regional security.
"India and Bahrain reject the linking of terrorism to any race, religion or culture. Both the countries agreed that a terrorist in one country cannot be glorified as a freedom fighter by another, and the two sides called upon all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the state, and to fight terrorist infrastructure whenever it exists," it said.
The joint statement was issued a day after Singh told Bahrain's top leadership that Pakistan's use of terrorism as "an instrument of state policy" was a matter of concern and the incitement from across the border was the main reason behind the current unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Home Minister, who is on a three-day visit to the Gulf country, yesterday also apprised Rashid about Islamabad's open support and participation to glorify slain Hizbul Mujahideen militant Wani, saying it indicates continued free movement that terrorists and their supporters enjoy in Pakistan.
Bahrain is a key member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference in which Pakistan is also a member.
The joint statement said the two sides agreed to actively implement the counter-terrorism agreement for which a joint committee was formed that held its first meeting on the sidelines of the visit.
India and Bahrain decided to hold regular committee meetings, in accordance to the clauses of the agreement.
The two sides also agreed to reinforce cooperation in exchange of information on ongoing terrorism-related investigations, exchange of information of ongoing organised crime investigations, including terrorism and drug trafficking, determine and exchange information on terrorism financing and organised crime sources and confiscation of terrorism money in accordance to the laws of both countries.
They resolved to study youth extremism and the use of the internet and how to tackle the issue, further cooperation in e-security and fight money laundering.
New Delhi and Manama agreed to promote participation in training courses and seminars that are held by the two countries for security officials to exchange expertise on crime fighting and other unconventional threats.
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