NEW DELHI: (May 3) Terrorism is the “biggest threat” to humanity and India is committed to take “firm and decisive” action against the terrorists and their backers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, against the backdrop of escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the horrific Pahalgam terror attack.
The prime minister made the remarks after holding wide-ranging talks with Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco. Modi also announced a defence credit line of USD 200 million for the African nation.
His assertion on strongly dealing with terrorism came even as India announced fresh punitive measures against Pakistan including complete ban on imports from Pakistan, suspension of all postal services from that country and banning entry of Pakistani-flagged ships at Indian ports.
“We both agree that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. I thanked President Lourenco and the people of Angola for their condolences on the loss of lives in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam,” Modi said.
“We are committed to take firm and decisive action against the terrorists and those who support them. We thank Angola for their support in our fight against cross-border terrorism,” he said in his media statement.
Later in the day, Lourenco issued a video message condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and calling for the reduction of tensions.
Speaking in Portuguese, Lourenco noted that Angola was one of the first countries to react immediately after the “sad events” in the Kashmir region.
“The Angolan authorities offered condolences to the Indian people and authorities due to that incident of terrorism. Terrorism is something that Angola condemns wherever it happens, no matter where it happens,” he said.
“I believe it is the right time while I am conducting this state visit to…reiterate our solidarity to the Indian people in this difficult moment, and hope that Indian knowledge and wisdom will prevail during this difficult and challenging moment that India is going through, without elevating the tensions to the levels that cannot be sustained,” he said.
The comments by the Angolan president assumed significance as his country is the current chair of the African Union.
At a media briefing, Secretary (Economic Relations) at the Ministry of External Affairs Dammu Ravi said President Lourenco condemned the “heinous and cowardly” terror attack in Pahalgam.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the global community has come out in large numbers and strongly condemned the terror attack on Indian soil.
“They have also conveyed a very strong sense of solidarity and support for India. And, they stand with the people of India in this hour,” he said.
Citing “cross-border linkages” to the April 22 attack, India has promised severe punishment to those involved in the strike.
After the talks between Modi and Lourenco, India and Angola inked three pacts that will provide for bilateral cooperation in areas of ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine, agriculture and culture.
The Angolan president, accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in Delhi on Thursday on a four-day trip.
In his remarks, Modi said India is one of the largest buyers of Angola’s oil and gas and it was decided to expand the bilateral energy partnership.
“I am happy to announce that a defense credit line of USD 200 million has been approved for the modernisation of Angola’s forces,” he said.
“There was also discussion on repair and overhaul of defence platforms and supplies. We would be happy to assist in training Angola’s armed forces,” Modi said.
The prime minister also said that India will share its capabilities with Angola in digital public infrastructure, space technology, and capacity building.
“Today we have also decided to further strengthen our ties in the areas of healthcare, diamond processing, fertiliser and critical minerals,” he said.
“The popularity of yoga and Bollywood in Angola is a symbol of the strength of our cultural ties,” he said.
Modi also welcomed Angola’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance.
India has also invited Angola to join its initiatives — Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Big Cat Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance.
The prime minister also greeted Angola on its presidency of the African Union.
“It is a matter of pride for us that during India’s G20 presidency, the African Union got permanent membership of the G20,” Modi said.
“India and the countries of Africa had raised their voices in one voice against colonial rule. They had inspired each other. Today we have stood together as the voice of the interests, hopes, expectations and aspirations of the Global South,” he said. PTI
