Terror Gravest Threat to World, Says PM Modi in Mozambique

Maputo (Mozambique): Against the backdrop of spurt in terror attacks in various countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said terrorism is the "gravest threat" to the world and spoke about bolstering security and defence ties between India and Mozambique, which are connected by the Indian Ocean.

After Modi's wide-ranging talks with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi here, a significant "long term" agreement was signed under which India will buy pulses from this country to plug its shortfall and contain prices of this commodity.

Declaring India as a "trusted friend" and a "reliable partner" of Mozambique, the Prime Minister also announced that essential medicines, including those for treating AIDS, would be donated to Mozambique as part of efforts to strengthen the public health system of the African nation.

India will also help build capacities of Mozambique's security forces amid Modi's vow to march with this African country on its path of development and progress.

"We want development and economic progress to benefit the people. We also want safety and security of our people," he said at a joint media interaction with Nyusi after the talks during which the two leaders discussed ways to enhance trade and investment and step up cooperation in other fields.

"Terrorism is the gravest security threat to the world today," Modi said, in comments that come against the backdrop of spurt in terror attacks in various parts of the world, including Bangladesh as also Saudi Arabia.

He said the networks of terrorism are interlinked with other crimes, including drug trafficking, to curb which India and Mozambique signed a pact.

Noting that India and Mozambique are connected by the Indian Ocean, the Prime Minister talked about the "emerging security challenges", including in the maritime areas, and said the two countries will step up security and defence cooperation.

India will help build capacities of Mozambican security forces through training and equipment, said Modi who arrived here this morning on a day-long visit on the first leg of his five-day tour of four African countries.