External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of Egypt at a meeting in Cairo on August 25. (PTI)
India today called for a "comprehensive fight" against terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Taliban threatening peace in neighboring countries, and the Islamic which is emerging as a threat to the Gulf region.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, delivering an address in Cairo, voiced India's concern over the growth of terrorism and radicalisation and said there is a need to develop a broader approach based on dialogue to shift from an atmosphere of "mistrust and violence" towards one which exudes confidence in peace and development.
Talks between India and Pakistan scheduled in New Delhi that would have presented India an opportunity for a bilateral dialogue on terrorism.
In an address to a select group of Egypt's strategic thinkers and policy makers, Ms Swaraj talked about the threat of IS in the Gulf region and that of Taliban and LeT in India's neighbourhood.
"We are today witnessing growing violence and intolerance. The growth of extremism as represented by Al Qaeda and now ISIS in your region and that of Taliban, Laskhar-e-Toiba and others in our neighbourhood, are manifestations of this trend.
"We have to fight radicalisation and extremism, the threat of terrorism and the emergence of non-state actors who challenge the civilised world in a collective and comprehensive manner," she said.
Ms Swaraj said that India stands committed to support efforts to fight the growing terrorism.
Ms Swaraj reiterated PM Modi's Dubai speech India where he had said that talks on terror were vital. "We also sense a need to develop a broader approach based on dialogue to shift from an atmosphere of mistrust and violence towards one which exudes confidence in peace and development."
Ms Swaraj, who held extensive talks with Egyptian leadership yesterday, proposed to step up exchange of information and coordination to combat terrorism, both at the regional as well as global level between India and Egypt.
"Our defence relationship, which is based on our traditional and friendly ties will be upgraded further to closer cooperation across the spectrum," she said.
More on regional cooperation, Ms Swaraj said that India will "strengthen coordination with the League of Arab States, work closely through the India-Africa Forum Summit".
Talking about the regional issues, she said the Iranian nuclear agreement can open up new vistas of cooperation and reduce frictions.
"India is a long-time friend of all the countries in the region and we have no major differences with any. We remain convinced that a new paradigm of peace, prosperity and stability will emerge."