India And UAE Say Countries Must Do More To Tackle Religious Terrorism

India and the United Arab Emirates have issued a strong warning to countries which support religion-inspired terrorism.

Their statement is thought to be a thinly-veiled attack on Pakistan.

A joint statement from the two governments described their "strong condemnation of and resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever committed and by whomever, and declared that there could be no justification for terrorism anywhere".

India and Pakistan have a long history of antagonism, while the UAE had five diplomats killed in Kandahar in Afghanistan earlier this month. Both countries are said to be very worried about the risk of attacks from Pakistani-inspired groups.

The statement from the two nations goes on to say: "The two sides condemn efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, sustain and sponsor terrorism against other countries."

Indian state foreign minister Anwar Gargash said to journalists in Abu Dhabi: "There is a close relationship between extremism and terrorism. Not every extremist becomes a terrorist, but every terrorist is first an extremist."

Though the condemnation makes clear both countries are determined to fight radical Islamic terrorism such as that practised by ISIS, eyebrows may still be raised.

Since the election of President Narendra Modi, attacks against minority Christians and Muslims are reported to have risen. Meanwhile, Christian anti-persecution charity Open Doors says of the UAE that "religious and political freedom is severely restricted".

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Sam Allberry resigns after being 'disqualified' from ministry by church
Sam Allberry resigns after being 'disqualified' from ministry by church

Sam Allberry has resigned from his position as associate pastor of Immanuel Church Nashville after reportedly being in an “inappropriate relationship with an adult man in 2022". 

12 Christians killed in Nigeria
12 Christians killed in Nigeria

Terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) killed at least 12 people and burned a church building in an attack on a Christian village in northeastern Nigeria’s Adamawa State, according to the international Christian aid organization Barnabas Aid.

Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas team up for faith-based single
Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas team up for faith-based single

Contemporary Christian artist Brandon Lake and pop singer Nick Jonas have released a two-song collaboration, featuring the new single “The Author” and a remix of “Hope.”

Where is Scotland heading this week? 
Where is Scotland heading this week? 

Scotland is experiencing serious political, economic and social decline after years of SNP governance and failed policy choices. Will this week's elections change that?