India, Mozambique to strengthen defence, security ties: PM Modi

Asserting that India and Mozambique recognise terrorism as the gravest security threat facing the world today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said both nations have agreed to strengthen their defence and security relationship.

Prime Minister Modi, in a joint press statement with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi in Maputo said that terrorism impacts India and Mozambique equally.

"President and I recognize that terrorism is the gravest security threat facing the world today. Terrorism impacts India and Mozambique equally. President and I have today agreed to strengthen our defence and security relationship," Modi said.

He also said that terror networks are inter-linked with other trans-national crimes and that he is aware of the emerging challenges in the maritime domain.

Recalling that India and Mozambique shared similar struggles and suffering under colonial operation which brought both nations together, Prime Minister Modi said that India was one of the strongest supporters of Mozambican independence.

Talking about the signing of the drug trafficking agreement between both nations, he said, "Our agreement on prevention of drug trafficking is a testimony to our shared determination to combat this menace and these networks."

Prime Minister Modi and President Nyusiearlier witnessed the signing of agreements three agreements on reduction of drug trafficking and psychotropic substances and related materials, cooperation in the field of youth affairs and sports, and long term agreement for purchase of pulses.

"President and I have also held detailed discussions on our shared vision for a stronger partnership," he added.

The three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed between secretary of economic relations in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Amar Sinha and Minister of Finance of Mozambique.

"We agreed to put cooperation in agriculture on the fast track. We are also strengthening our partnership in food security," said Modi.

Prime Minister Modi said that he was particularly happy about our agreement to facilitate youth and sports cooperation and exchanges.

Stating that India and Mozambique's partnership is also driven by a convergence of capacities and interests, the Indian Prime Minister said both nations are strengthening partnership in food security.

"We agreed to put cooperation in agriculture on the fast track. We are also strengthening our partnership in food security," he said.

Highlighting that Mozambique has already been one of the gateways for Indian investments into Africa, he said that India is confident under the leadership of President Nyusi, investments will continue to receive a nurturing environment in the country.

Prime Minister Modi assured that New Delhi remains ready and committed to share its experiences, technology and capacity with Mozambique.

"In Mozambique's march towards economic prosperity, India will walk every step of the way," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also said that India values Mozambique's partnership in the International Solar Alliance to counter climate change.

Prior to his speech, Prime Minister Modi also presented a book on Doing Business with Mozambique to President Nyusi.

Prime Minister Modi is in Maputo as a part of his four nation tour of the African continent.