Not just against terrorism, but also those who support, finance it: Modi at HoA

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated India’s stand on terrorism and those who support it, in a veiled message to Pakistan, while speaking at the Heart of Asia of conference in Amritsar.

"Not just against forces of terrorism but also against those who support, shelter and finance them," Modi said.

Earlier on Sunday, Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani jointly inaugurated the sixth Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference and later held bilateral talks for about an hour, discussing issues of terrorism and development.

Speaking at the Heart of Asia summit later, both the leaders raised concern about terrorism, which poses grave threat to Afghanistan’s peace, stability and prosperity.

Modi sought a resolute action to end the sufferings of the people in the Asian country. “Terrorism and externally induced instability pose the gravest threat too Afghanistan’s peace, stability and prosperity. Support for voices of peace in Afghanistan alone is not enough. It must be backed by a resolute action,” he said.

“Silence and inaction against terrorism in Afghanistan and our region will only embolden terrorists and their masters,” the prime minister said. “On India’s part, our commitment to our brave Afghan brothers and sisters is absolute and unwavering,” he added.

Speaking on the need to increase the bilateral and regional commitments of material assistance for Afghanistan’s development, Modi said, “We plan to connect Afghanistan with India through an air transport corridor”.

India, Afghanistan are looking at the option of establishing an air corridor after Pakistan has refused permission to Kabul to trade with New Delhi using road and rail routes through its territory.

“Herat India-Afghanistan dam aka Salma dam that was launched a few months ago will help revive economic activity for the people there,” he added.

At the summit, Ghani also addressed India’s support to his country and said, “India's support to Afghanistan is aimed at improving people's life. It is transparent with no strings attached.”

Ghani raised the issue of terrorism in Afghanistan and said that about 30 terrorist groups, as named by the United Nations, are trying to establish a base in the country.

“A key Taliban leader has himself admitted to getting sanctuary in Pakistan. Afghanistan suffered the highest number of casualties last year. This is unacceptable,” the Afghan President said.

Senior officials of all 14 countries and representatives of 17 supporting nations attended the conference and deliberated on a vast range of issues including strategies for eliminating terrorism and enhancing Afghanistan's connectivity and trade.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley led the Indian delegation in place of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who is unwell.