Against the backdrop of spurt in terror attacks in various countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said terrorism is the “gravest threat” to the world and spoke about bolstering security and defence ties between India and Mozambique, which are connected by the Indian Ocean.
After Modi’s wide-ranging talks with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi here, a significant “long-term” agreement was signed under which India will buy pulses from this country to plug its shortfall and contain prices of this commodity.
Declaring India as a “trusted friend” and a “reliable partner” of Mozambique, the Prime Minister also announced that essential medicines, including those for treating AIDS, would be donated to Mozambique as part of efforts to strengthen the public health system of the African nation.
India will also help build capacities of Mozambique’s security forces amid Modi’s vow to march with this African country on its path of development and progress.
“We want development and economic progress to benefit the people. We also want safety and security of our people,” he said at a joint media interaction with Nyusi after the talks during which the two leaders discussed ways to enhance trade and investment and step up cooperation in other fields.
The Prime Minister talked about the “emerging security challenges”, including in the maritime areas, and said the two countries will step up security and defence cooperation.
India will help build capacities of Mozambican security forces through training and equipment, said Modi who arrived here on Thursday morning on a day-long visit on the first leg of his five-day tour of four African countries.
Modi identified agriculture, healthcare, energy security, security, defence and skill development as some of the areas having potential for cooperation.
He said India is committed to buy pulses from Mozambique, regarding which a “long-term agreement” was signed on the occasion.
The agreement to buy pulses, he said, will meet India’s requirements and help raise the farmers’ income in Mozambique.
Agriculture push
Noting that agriculture development is the top priority for Mozambique, Modi said India would be partnering this endeavour through development of agricultural infrastructure and productivity in this country.
“We have agreed to put this on a fast track,” he said.
Describing Mozambique as the “gateway” to Africa, Modi said one-fourth of India’s investment in this continent is in this country.
He said the bilateral trade has continued to grow and there was a need to provide a “nurturing” environment.