Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said “terrorism is the gravest security threat to the world today” and spoke about bolstering security and defence ties between India and Mozambique, comments that come against the backdrop of a spurt in terror attacks in various parts of the world.
After Mr Modi held wide-ranging talks with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi here, a “long-term” agreement was signed under which India will buy pulses from this country to plug domestic shortfalls and contain prices. Declaring that India is a “trusted friend” and a “reliable partner” of Mozambique, the PM also announced that essential medicines, including for AIDS, would be donated to Mozambique to strengthen its public health system. India will also help build the capacities of Mozam-bique’s security forces through training and equipment, said Mr Modi, who arrived here Thursday morning on a day-long visit, the first leg of his five-day tour of four African countries. “We want development and economic progress to benefit the people. We also want safety and security of our people,” the PM said.
He said terror networks are interlinked with other crimes, including drug trafficking, to curb which India and Mozambique signed a pact.
“Mozambique’s strengths are India’s needs and what Mozambique needs is in India. We complement each other,” Mr Modi said.
