India PM Modi to Asean: It’s time we jointly fight terrorism

Indian Prime Minister listens to the opening remarks of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the 31st ASEAN Summit on Monday, Nov. 14, 2017. (Photo from an RTVM video)

Time has come for India and the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to work together to combat terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

“In our countries we fight very hard to fight terrorism and violent extremism. It is time that we jointly address this challenge by intensifying cooperation in this crucial area and find a joint solution,” he told the leaders of Asean member states at the Asean-India Summit on Tuesday evening.

He said India will continue its support to Asean “for a rules-based security architecture for the region.”

Last July, India donated P25 million to the Philippines for the relief and rehabilitation of Marawi City. The Times of India reported that it was the first time that India sent aid to another country battling terrorism.

He also congratulated the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Asean’s 50th founding anniversary.