India-ASEAN committed to combat terrorism in all its forms

Recognising terrorism as a significant threat to peace and stability in the region, India and the 10-member ASEAN on Thursday made a strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. 

"We express our determination to take concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among our law enforcement and security agencies," said a declaration at the end of the 14th ASEAN-India summit, stressing that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds. 

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the leaders attending the summit that "In the face of growing traditional and non-traditional challenges political security cooperation is a key emerging feeler of our relationships." Rising export of terror, growing radicalisation through ideology of hatred and spread of extreme violence defines landscape of common security threats to our societies, he said. 

"The threat is local, regional and transitional at the same time. Our partnership with ASEAN seeks to craft a response that relies on coordination cooperation at multiple levels," he noted. The countries recognised the need to counter and prevent the spread of violent extremism and radicalism that leads to acts of terrorism. ASEAN and India also supported the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, currently under negotiation at the United Nations. 

 "We agreed to cooperate towards addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including in areas of deradicalization and prevention of violent extremism," the declaration added. The 10-member ASEAN includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.