Inclusiveness keeps Indian Muslims from joining IS: US

US Ambassador said for countering terrorism in mega-cities, govts must create an ecosystem of cohesion and inclusivity

The inclusive model of the country has kept Indian Muslims from joining terror outfit Islamic State, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said here today.

"India has been a model of inclusiveness," Verma told reporters when asked why have so few Indian Muslims joined the IS.

To a query on his assessment of threat perception of the dreaded terror group to India, Verma said it is for Indian officials to address that question.

"But as President (Barack) Obama said, this is a serious threat and we intend to intensify our strategies and it will require diligent efforts from all levels," Verma said.

For countering terrorism in mega-cities, governments must create an ecosystem of cohesion and inclusivity, the US Ambassador said.

"We have to get to the root causes of unrest. As cities grow bigger here is a potential that certain sections of population become disaffected and frustrated. So there is an importance of good governance," he said.

The US Ambassador also spoke of India-US cooperation on terrorism front including "shutting of the terror outfits finances and networks".