PM Modi returns after three nation tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned home from Riyadh Saudi Arab, after completing the final leg of his three nation six day tour.

Before departing from Riyadh, Mr Modi inked five MoUs with Saudi Arab covering hosts of issues of mutual interests. Mr Modi and Shah Salman both expressed strong condemnation of the phenomenon of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of who the perpetrators were and of their motivations.

Affirming that the menace of extremism and terrorism threatens all nations and societies, the two leaders rejected totally any attempt to link this universal phenomenon to any particular race, religion or culture.

They called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists operating and perpetrating terrorism from their territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice.

The two leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism, both at the bilateral level and within the multilateral system of the UN. They called upon the international community to strengthen multilateral regimes to effectively address the challenges posed by terrorism.

Acknowledging and commending their strong bilateral security cooperation, the two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations,



intelligence sharing and capacity-building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes.

They welcomed the signing of an MoU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering, related crimes and terrorism financing.

 The two sides further agreed to take action against illegal transfer of money. Among the total of five MoUs, inked between the two nations, one on labour cooperation has especial significance to Indians working in Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minster Modi and Shah Salman both welcomed the signing of an agreement on labour cooperation for recruitment of General Category Workers. Around 30 lakh Indians are working in Saudi Arabia, who contribute over ten billion of US dollars as remittances to their homeland annually.

It is hoped that by signing this MOU, the Indian blue collar and unskilled workers, who often complained of raw deal or cheating by the hands of their Saudi employers, will immensely benefit. Besides, the Saudi authorities have also assured India that any aberration to rightful employment will be immediately addressed when brought to its notice.

Earlier in the first leg, Mr Modi visited Belgium where he took part in India EU summit and also held bilateral talks with his Belgian counterpart.

He condemned the recent Brussels terror attacks and stressed to work together against the menace of terrorism.