India & Indonesia Are Victims Of Terrorism & Cross-Border Terrorism Is Still A Threat: NSA Ajit Doval

While addressing the meeting of Ulema, convened to focus on countering radicalisation and extremism, Doval said the economic and defence engagements between the two countries are progressing rapidly.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday said that India and Indonesia have been victims of terrorism and separatism and the phenomenon of cross-border terrorism and ISIS-inspired terrorism continues to pose a threat. "Both our countries (India & Indonesia) have been victims of terrorism and separatism. While we have overcome the challenges to a considerable extent, the phenomenon of cross-border terrorism and ISIS-inspired terrorism continues to pose a threat," Doval said.

Doval further said that against the backdrop of a tectonic shift in the global order, India and Indonesia have the potential to enhance prospects of peace, regional cooperation and prosperity in Asia. "Against the backdrop of a tectonic shift in the global order, India & Indonesia, given their history, diversity, shared traditions and increasing bilateralism have the potential to enhance prospects of peace, regional cooperation & prosperity in Asia," Doval said.

While addressing the meeting of Ulema, or Muslim scholars, convened to focus on countering radicalisation and extremism, Doval said the economic and defence engagements between the two countries are also progressing rapidly for the greater good.

The meeting was also attended by Indonesian leader Mahfud MD. During his address, Doval also said that India and Indonesia are flourishing democracies in Indo-Pacific Region.

Doval also said that the two countries have historical and cultural linkages along with extensive people-to-people ties. Tourism has been an important bridge of cooperation between our 2 countries. "We (India-Indonesia) are flourishing democracies in Indo-Pacific Region. Waters that lap shores of Indonesia also lap our shores. We've historical and cultural linkages and extensive people-to-people ties. Tourism has been an important bridge of cooperation between our 2 countries," Doval said.

Doval during his address also expressed grief towards people who lost their lives in the recent earthquake that jolted Indonesia. "I want to say how saddened we all feel by the loss of lives & damage to property from the recent earthquake in Indonesia. Our deepest condolences to victims and their families," Doval said. "We wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands with Indonesia in this hour of grief, he added.