India, Saudi Arabia agree on need to increase pressure on countries supporting terror: Modi

India and Saudi Arabia agreed on need to increase all possible pressure on countries supporting terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on February 20 after holding talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Mr. Modi and Mr. Salman explored ways to further deepen strategic ties against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack.

The barbaric attack in Pulwama on February 14 is a cruel symbol of the scourge spread over the world by this anti-humanitarian danger, Mr. Modi said in a press statement with Prince Salman by his side.

“In order to deal effectively with this threat, we agree that there is need to increase all possible pressure on the countries supporting terrorism in any manner,” Mr. Modi said, without naming Pakistan. He asserted that destroying the terror infrastructure and punishing terrorists as well as their supporters was “very important”.

Mr. Modi called for a strong action plan to combat extremism so that the powers spreading violence and terror did not mislead the youth.

In his press statement, Mr. Salman said his country would cooperate with India in tackling terrorism, including intelligence sharing.

Mr. Salman arrived in New Delhi on February 19 night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan and going back to Riyadh. In Islamabad, he said dialogue was the only way to resolve “outstanding issues” between India and Pakistan. He will be in India for less than 30 hours.

In a special gesture, Mr. Modi received Mr. Salman at the airport, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader.