Fight against terror is not a fight against any religion: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
, ET Bureau|
Updated: Mar 02, 2018, 06.24 AM IST
New Delhi: Preaching voice of moderation amid rising extremism worldwide, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Jordan King Abdullah II on Thursday asserted that the fight against terrorism is not a fight against Islam or any other religion, but against those who misguide the innocent youth.
The leaders agreed also that both India and Jordan shared a responsibility to bring peace in the world.
“The fight against terrorism and radicalisation is not against any religion, it is against the mindset that misguides youth,” Modi said while addressing a meet titled ‘Islamic Heritage: Promoting Understanding and Moderation’ here that was also addressed by the King of Jordan, a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad. The meet was attended by top Muslim clerics and intellectuals of India.
Later, India and Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation, in areas such as training, industry, counter-terrorism, military studies, cyber security, medical services and peacekeeping. The two sides also signed 11 other MoUs across sectors from food security to media partnership.
During his speech, the PM said the youth should associate themselves with humanitarian aspects of Islam and also be able to use modern science. “Muslim youth in India had the Quran in one hand and a computer in the other. Youth are radicalised and violence is inflicted on the innocent. Together, we can fight terrorism,” he said.
Hailing Indian democracy as a celebration of age-old plurality, the Modi said, “India is the cradle of all major religions in the world.” The Jordan King said, “Too much of what is heard in news and what is seen about religion today is all about what separates people.
Around the world, suspicions are inflamed by what different groups don’t know about others. Such ideologies of hate distort the word of God to stir conflict.”
Endorsing Modi, the King said: “Fight against terror is not fight between religions.” Islam is not about radicalisation, he said, adding: “Faith inspires both our countries … Humanity unites all religions.”
Ahead of their remarks, Modi presented Abdullah with an Urdu version of a book on Islam authored by the King’s cousin brother. Jordan has been at the forefront of de-radicalisation initiatives in the West Asian region with the King himself taking up the responsibility.
King Abdullah, who arrived here on Tuesday for a three-day state visit, was received by Modi. The King’s visit comes nearly three weeks after the PM travelled to Jordan as part of his trip to West Asia, including Palestine. The King had extended a warm welcome to Modi on that occasion and arranged his own helicopter for the PM’s trip to Ramallah.
The leaders agreed also that both India and Jordan shared a responsibility to bring peace in the world.
“The fight against terrorism and radicalisation is not against any religion, it is against the mindset that misguides youth,” Modi said while addressing a meet titled ‘Islamic Heritage: Promoting Understanding and Moderation’ here that was also addressed by the King of Jordan, a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad. The meet was attended by top Muslim clerics and intellectuals of India.
Later, India and Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation, in areas such as training, industry, counter-terrorism, military studies, cyber security, medical services and peacekeeping. The two sides also signed 11 other MoUs across sectors from food security to media partnership.
During his speech, the PM said the youth should associate themselves with humanitarian aspects of Islam and also be able to use modern science. “Muslim youth in India had the Quran in one hand and a computer in the other. Youth are radicalised and violence is inflicted on the innocent. Together, we can fight terrorism,” he said.
Hailing Indian democracy as a celebration of age-old plurality, the Modi said, “India is the cradle of all major religions in the world.” The Jordan King said, “Too much of what is heard in news and what is seen about religion today is all about what separates people.
Around the world, suspicions are inflamed by what different groups don’t know about others. Such ideologies of hate distort the word of God to stir conflict.”
Endorsing Modi, the King said: “Fight against terror is not fight between religions.” Islam is not about radicalisation, he said, adding: “Faith inspires both our countries … Humanity unites all religions.”
Ahead of their remarks, Modi presented Abdullah with an Urdu version of a book on Islam authored by the King’s cousin brother. Jordan has been at the forefront of de-radicalisation initiatives in the West Asian region with the King himself taking up the responsibility.
King Abdullah, who arrived here on Tuesday for a three-day state visit, was received by Modi. The King’s visit comes nearly three weeks after the PM travelled to Jordan as part of his trip to West Asia, including Palestine. The King had extended a warm welcome to Modi on that occasion and arranged his own helicopter for the PM’s trip to Ramallah.
