Attacks in Paris, Pathankot against fundamental values: President

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee has said that terror attacks on Paris or Pathankot are against fundamental values of liberty and freedom.

The President made these comments at a banquet he hosted in honour of French President Francois Hollande at the Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday.

Appreciating the French President for his leadership and resolute action in the wake of the dastardly terror attacks in Paris in November last year, a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson quoted Mukherjee as saying that these determined steps show France will "not let terrorists succeed."

"India appreciates the support and solidarity expressed by France for India in the wake of the attacks in Pathankot. Whether in Paris or Pathankot, terrorist attacks on democracies such as India and France are an attack against fundamental values of liberty, freedom and universal brotherhood.

"Terrorism is a global threat and it poses a threat to all nations. No cause can justify terrorist acts. It is imperative that the world act in unison against terrorism, without political considerations," he said.

The President, the spokesperson said, added the two countries must fight resolutely for freedom against the forces of intolerance, extremism and terrorism.

"The dastardly terror attacks in Paris and Pathankot have underlined the urgency for countries like India and France to jointly combat this existential threat to humanity and human civilisation," he said.

Mukherjee added that the growing strength of India-France strategic partnership in defence, space, civil nuclear energy and security "demonstrates high mutual trust and understanding" between the two countries.