Religion should be delinked from terror, asserts Modi

He underlined the need for ensuring that Internet does not become a “recruiting ground” for terrorism, amid the growing trend of ISIS luring youth from across the globe, and spoke about the world coming together to use “military force” and “international legal systems” to fight the menace.

Addressing the Indian diaspora on the second day of his three-day visit to Malaysia, Modi said India draws strength from its diversity and that his government is working to create an environment where enterprise flourishes and everybody gets basic needs like roof, sanitation, water, health care and education. In his 45-minute speech at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre here, he said development in India is “gathering speed now” amid the global slowdown and the country is growing at 7.5 per cent with faster growth expected in the coming years.

Talking about terrorism, he said it is the “biggest threat to the world today. It knows no boundaries. It uses the name of religion to draw people to its cause but kills people of all faiths.”

He went on to add: “We have to delink religion from terror. The only distinction is between those who believe in humanity and who does not.... We also have to work within the society, specially the youth.”

Pitching for a united global fight against terrorism, the Prime Minister said it should be ensured that “no country promotes terrorism, there is no sanctuary, there is funds and there is no arms.”

Pushing for enhanced intelligence cooperation among countries, he said it has to be ensured that 

“Internet does not become a recruiting ground” for terrorism.

“I have said it earlier, I will say it again. The world must come together to combat the biggest challenge of our times....We can strengthen intelligence cooperation, we can use military force, we can make international legal systems for making cooperation stronger,” he said.

Modi also made some announcements like grant of $ 1 million to the India-students Trust Fund for financial assistance to Malay-Indian students and naming of India’s cultural centre here after Subhas Chandra Bose.

The Prime Minister also favoured immediate recognition of the degrees conferred by India and Malaysia and said he will discuss this issue with his counterpart Najib during the meeting on Monday. 

While mentioning about the merger of OCI and PIO cards, he said children, who are foreign nationals, and foreign spouses can also get OCI status now. Besides, Indian-origin upto fourth generation is enough for OCI now.

Modi said the Indian government has also introduced e-visa that has made travel simpler.