Prime Minister Narendra Modi today underlined the common Islamic heritage of both India and Central Asia which has always rejected the forces of extremism and strongly pitched for enhanced defence and security cooperation between the two to combat terrorism.
On his first visit to Central Asian countries, Modi, who flew to Kazakhstan's capital from Uzbekistan earlier in the day, asserted that both India and Central Asia cannot achieve their full potential without each other and nor will the region be more stable without the cooperation between the two.
Addressing a gathering at the Nazerbayev University, the Prime Minister said, "We live at the frontier of instability. We live close to the crucible of extremism and terrorism. We see terrorism spawned by nations and groups. Today, we also see cyber space become a platform without borders for terror to draw recruits to its cause.
"So, during this visit, we will strengthen our defence and security cooperation in the region. But, we will also combat terrorism by the strength of our values and our commitment to humanism."
Asserting that he has come to write a "new chapter in an ancient relationship", Modi said, "the Islamic heritage of both India and Central Asia is defined by the highest ideals of Islam -- knowledge, piety, compassion and welfare. This is a heritage founded on the principle of love and devotion.
"And, it has always rejected the forces of extremism. Today, this is an important source of strength that brings India and Central Asia together."
He also noted that the confluence of Indian and Islamic civilisations took place in Central Asia and enriched each other not only in spiritual thought but also in medicine, science, mathematics and astronomy.
Immediately after his arrival, Modi held talks with his Kazakh counterpart Karim Massimov on various key bilateral and regional issues. The Prime Minister will be holding extensive talks with the Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev tomorrow after which the two countries are likely to ink a number of pacts including in the field of energy.
During his nearly half-an-hour speech, Modi touched upon other important issues including regional connectivity, establishment of a 21st century silk route and economic integration between India and Central Asian countries.
