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
MPs appear to be turning against assisted suicide bill
MPs appear to be turning against assisted suicide bill

MPs who previously voted for assisted suicide appear to be turning against it.

London College of Bishops denounces antisemitic incidents
London College of Bishops denounces antisemitic incidents

The London College of Bishops has said it “unequivocally” condemns a number of apparently antisemitic attacks aimed at synagogues, charities and shops.

The media mandate: How wise use of communication can strengthen the Christian church
The media mandate: How wise use of communication can strengthen the Christian church

As the Church tries to make sense of AI and all the media tools at its disposal, it must ask not merely what gains attention, but what honours Christ, writes Duncan Williams.

Church of Scotland to consider apology for alleged slavery links
Church of Scotland to consider apology for alleged slavery links

The Church of Scotland’s General Assembly will next month consider a report detailing historic links to the transatlantic slave trade and proposals for an official institutional apology.