India, France urge action against nations that back terror

NEW DELHI – India and France called Friday for global action against countries that support, finance or shelter terrorists.

Visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj expressed deep concern over rising terrorism in the world.

They did not name any countries, but India accuses its neighbour, Pakistan, of training, arming and sheltering insurgent groups fighting for Kashmir’s independence from India or its merger with Pakistan.

Pakistan denies the allegations.

Le Drian said India and France enjoy special ties and referred to India’s purchase of 36 French Rafale combat jets and its manufacturing of Scorpene submarines in India with technology transfer from a French company.

Swaraj said both sides also discussed enhanced co-operation in the Indian Ocean region where both countries have a crucial presence.

“The co-operation, which could include other willing strategic partners, was aimed at ensuring the safety of international sea-lanes for unimpeded commerce and communications, countering maritime terrorism and piracy,” she said.

The United States considers India a critical anchor in a regional strategy for the Indian and Pacific Oceans to blunt an increasingly assertive China.

Le Drian arrived in India on Friday for a two-day visit.