India to deepen cooperation with Africa in countering terrorism: Modi

Evincing a shared feeling of pain over the killing of innocents in terror incidents in Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sought to deepen cooperation with African countries in maritime security and countering terrorism.

Addressing the third meeting of the India-Africa Summit (IAFS) here, Modi said there were links that unite India and Africa against the threat of terrorism. He said that on the issue of security, countries were no longer insulated by distance.

"Today, in many parts of the world, the light of a bright future flickers in the storm of violence and instability. When terror snuffs out life on the streets and beaches, and in malls and schools of Africa, we feel your pain as our own. And, we see the links that unite us against this threat," he said.

He said that when nations are caught in conflict within, no one around remains untouched.

"We also see that when our oceans are no longer safe for trade, we all suffer together. We know that our cyber networks bring opportunities but also carry huge risks. So, when it comes to security, distance no longer insulates us from each other," he said.

"That is why we wish to deepen our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography, and countering terrorism and extremism... and, why we must have a UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism," he said.

Modi said India will also provide support for Africa Union's peacekeeping efforts.

"We will train African peacekeepers here and in Africa. We must also have a stronger voice in decisions on UN peacekeeping missions," he said.