NEW DELHI: Has Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi stepped into the recent breach between Pakistan and the United Arab
Emirates over Islamabad’s refusal to actively join the Yemen war against the
Houthi fighters?
Indian
media was clear that Mr Modi, on the last day of a two-day visit to Abu Dhabi
and Dubai on Monday, made veiled but unmistakable references to Pakistan,
particularly in the context of terrorism, during a large public address to the
Indian community.
“I am
sure those that are being discussed here know it’s about them,” he said at the
Dubai cricket stadium to loud applause. A joint statement between the two
countries has a few pointers to the implicit Pakistan angle.
He
mentioned every South Asian country, from Afghanistan to Bangladesh, as a
partner in India’s progress, saying: “Those who do not wish to join us can
choose their own destiny.”
The
first prime ministerial visit from India “after 34 years marks the beginning of
a new and comprehensive strategic partnership between India and UAE in a world
of multiple transitions and changing opportunities and challenges,” the
statement said.
The
joint statement spoke of an extensive framework of agreements, including
economic, defence, security, law enforcement, culture, consular and
people-to-people contacts constitute solid bedrock for elevating bilateral
cooperation across the full spectrum of our relationship.
“The
two nations reject extremism and any link between religion and terrorism. They
condemn efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and
sponsor terrorism against other countries,” the statement said. “They also
deplore efforts by countries to give religious and sectarian colour to
political issues and disputes, including in West and South Asia, and use
terrorism to pursue their aims.” Only in April this year, as Pakistani
lawmakers called for the government to remain neutral in the crisis in Yemen,
they evoked a strong response from the United Arab Emirates.
“The
vague and contradictory stands of Pakistan and Turkey are an absolute proof
that Arab security — from Libya to Yemen — is the responsibility of none but
Arab countries,” UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammed
Gargash said at the time. References that might have once applied to
ties with Pakistan were replete with India in Monday’s statement. It said:
“Proximity, history, cultural affinity, strong links between people, natural
synergies, shared aspirations and common challenges create boundless potential
for a natural strategic partnership between India and UAE.
“Yet,
in the past, relations between the two governments have not kept pace with the
exponential growth in relations between their people or the promise of this
partnership. However, the need for a close strategic partnership between UAE
and India has never been stronger or more urgent, and its prospects more
rewarding, than in these uncertain times.”
Several
references to terrorism and related issues that India usually applies to
Pakistan featured in the joint statement.
The
two would “coordinate efforts to counter radicalisation and misuse of religion
by groups and countries for inciting hatred, perpetrating and justifying
terrorism or pursuing political aims. The two sides will facilitate regular
exchanges of religious scholars and intellectuals and organise conferences and
seminars to promote the values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare
that is inherent in all religions.”
Most
significantly perhaps, they denounced and opposed “terrorism in all forms and
manifestations, wherever committed and by whomever, calling on all states to
reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle
terrorism infrastructures where they exist, and bring perpetrators of terrorism
to justice.”
India
and the UAE will enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations,
intelligence sharing and capacity building. They plan to work together for the
adoption of India’s proposed Comprehensive Convention on International
Terrorism in the United Nations.
With
implications for the underworld, they would come “together to control, regulate
and share information on flow of funds that could have a bearing on
radicalisation activities and cooperate in interdicting illegal flows and take
action against concerned individuals and organisations.”
They
plan to strengthen cooperation in “law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug
trafficking, other trans-national crimes, extradition arrangements, as well as
police training.”
Indian
newspapers say they have not been able to find any other reason for Mr Modi’s
sudden rush to the UAE.
Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2015
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