Worried about escalation in violence in Gulf countries like Iraq, libya and Syria, India on Thursday expressed deep concern over the rise of fanaticism, extremism and terrorism in parts of the Arab region.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said they are not only tearing apart the fabric of societies but also affecting regional stability. This instability has also affected India as well. Swaraj underlined the fact that continued captivity of 40 innocent Indian workers in Mosul and the holding of seven Indian sea farers in prolonged custody by “searing impact” of regional instability in parts of Arab world on ordinary Indians.
“Being a longstanding partner of the Arab world, we in India are also deeply concerned with the rise of fanaticism, extremism and terrorism in parts of the region. We are concerned for the stability of these countries where terrorism and fanaticism are tearing apart the fabric of societies and also concerned over the spill-over effects on regional stability," said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the occasion of India-Arab Media Symposium.
She added that continued peace and stability in the region was in mutual strategic interest and that India has been watching post — “Arab Spring” developments very closely. “India continues to be guided by the principles of being non-interfering, non-prescriptive and non-judgmental. India remains ready to provide any support, but strongly believes that it is for the Arab countries to decide their destiny, without any external interference or diktats from outside,” Swaraj said.
Swaraj also tried to clear any confusion on the new Government’s stand towards Palestine-Israel conflict. “On such a sensitive issue, there is no room for confusion or misunderstanding. let me repeat, and underline, once again: There is no change in India’s policy of extending strong support to the Palestinian cause, while maintaining good relations with Israel. India is deeply concerned at the loss of large number of civilian lives in Gaza. We have called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and work towards a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue. Apart from strong political support to the Palestinian cause at international, regional and bilateral levels, India has been contributing budgetary, economic and developmental assistance to Palestine and its people," Swaraj said.
The Minister also sought Arab investments for India’s infrastructure sector. “Our Government has made infrastructure upgrade and the creation of smart cities major national priorities. In this context, the sizable Sovereign Wealth Funds of Gulf countries can offer significant platform for operations of Indian companies and prove to be a game-changer in India’s quest for world-class infrastructure,” Swaraj said.