India seeks global cooperation to combat terrorism: Pratibha Patil

NEW DELHI - President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Thursday said terrorism is a global challenge with a world wide network that threatens regional and global security, and added that terrorism has to be confronted with ‘all the force at our command and in close co-operation with the international community’.

“One of the foremost threats that the civilized world is confronted, with is from terrorism and India has been its victim. As the horrendous attacks in Mumbai demonstrated two years ago, terrorist groups have become more sophisticated and are able to use advanced technology and equipment in their objective of killing innocents,” said President Patil.

“But, terrorism is a global challenge with a world wide network that threatens regional and global security. The world community has woken up to this challenge. India believes that terrorism has to be confronted with all the force at our command and in close co-operation with the international community,” she added.

President Patil said India should have global interests and a significant stake in ensuring that the international system is stable and conducive to peace and prosperity.

“We believe that greater international co-operation is the best way to secure this objective. Our greatest strength is the moral force that we bring to bear on global stage,” said President Patil, while delivering the inaugural address at the Inauguration of the Manekshaw Centre and the Seminar on “Role of Force in Strategic Affairs” on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the National Defence College here today.

“It is India’s commitment to democracy, rule of law, pluralism and our values that have enabled us to earn the world’s respect. The protection of the values that India stands for is a matter of national priority. Threats to these basic concepts need to be addressed,” she added.

President Patil further said the terrorist groups have become more sophisticated and are able to use advanced technology and equipment in their objective of killing innocents

The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk was the chief guest of the inaugural function.

Several other dignitaries, who attended the function, include Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik and Army Chief General V K Singh. (ANI)