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".

News
EU mission to review Pakistan’s human rights record
EU mission to review Pakistan’s human rights record

Rights activists urged the European Union to investigate widespread human rights violations in Pakistan, including persecution of religious minorities, ahead of a review starting Monday by a key EU mission monitoring the country’s eligibility for preferential trade terms.

Government urged to support nation's historic churches
Government urged to support nation's historic churches

The Church of England is urging the government to step up financial support for historic churches and cathedrals after a new poll by Savanta found that many people use and appreciate them. 

The decades long exodus of Anglican clergy into Catholicism
The decades long exodus of Anglican clergy into Catholicism

Women priests and a papal visit in 2010 all helped ease the path to Rome.

VAT may crush struggling churches
VAT may crush struggling churches

Having already managed to close down at least 50 private schools via VAT, concerns are mounting that a similar financial assault will take its toll on the nation’s churches.