State-sponsored terrorism biggest threat: PM Modi's veiled attack on Pak in Maldivian Parliament

Male, June 08: In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing Maldivian Parliament said that state sponsorship of terrorism is the biggest threat the humanity is facing today as he urged the world leaders to unite for combating the menace.

Modi in his first official overseas trip since being elected to a second term addressed the Maldivian Parliament where he stressed upon the historic ties between the two nations.

Extending support to Maldives, Prime Minister Modi said India stands shoulder to shoulder with Maldivies when it comes to matters of security, disaster and development. "The mandate that our people have given us will ensure that we continue on this path," he said.

"Neighborhood First' is our priority. Relations between India and Maldives are older than history. From time immemorial, blue waters have washed our shores. They have also nourished our cultures and civilisations," he added.

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday that state sponsorship of terrorism is the biggest threat the humanity is facing today as he urged the world leaders to unite for combating the menace.

"Terrorism is a danger not just for a country but the entire civilization. State sponsored terrorism is the biggest threat today. It is important for the world community to come together to fight the challenge of terrorism and radicalisation," Modi said.

"The water is now rising above the head," Modi said as he urged the world leaders to unite for combating the menace. "Combating terrorism and radicalisation is the most accurate test of the leadership in the world," he said.

Talking about the climate change, PM Modi said the issue affects us all and climate change can be tackled by switching to renewable energy. "I am glad that Maldives is part of the International Solar Alliance," he said, adding that technology alone cannot tackle the climate change. He also praised Maldives for taking initiatives of sustainable development.

"I am happy that Maldives is working towards sustainable development and has become a part of the International Solar Alliance. I felt great to have announced today that India will contribute in the conservation of Maldives' Friday Mosque. There's no such mosque elsewhere in the world like this historical mosque made up of coral," Modi said.

Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.