World must speak in one voice against terrorism: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the world must speak in one voice against terrorism and nations supporting this scourge should be held accountable.

"The world must speak in one voice and countries must be held accountable for sanctuaries and support," Modi said while delivering the 37th Singapore Lecture here.

"Terrorism does not just take toll of lives, but can derail economics," he said.

He described terrorism as one major global challenge and a force larger than individual groups.

He also called for delinking religion from terrorism and "assert the human value that defines every faith".

Organised by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISAS), the Singapore Lecture is one of the intellectual highlights of this city state. It is designed to provide an opportunity for distinguished statesmen and leaders of thought and knowledge to reach a wider audience in Singapore.

Modi arrived in Singapore from Malaysia on Monday on a two-day visit.