PM Narendra Modi likely to sign a pact on joint measures to counter terror with UAE

NEW DELHI: India and the United Arab Emirates may seek to expand their security and counter-terror partnership by concluding a pact on joint measures during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Gulf nation on August 16-17.

This comes amid growing threat from ISIS across West Asia and continued threat to India from militant groups based in Pakistan.

The two countries have been cooperating to counter terrorism over the past few years through measures including sharing of information and intelligence on fugitives and terror operatives. The UAE is also believed to have been assisting India in sharing information about terror operatives and groups that are active in South Asia.

While the two sides had signed a security cooperation agreement in 2011, the growing menace of ISIS and its threat to the Gulf as well as Indian subcontinent has necessitated further strengthening of security partnership, officials said.

A maritime security pact to combat piracy in the Persian Gulf region is also on the anvil. Indian Navy has been active in combating piracy in the region.

In 2011, during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure, the two sides concluded agreements on security cooperation and transfer of sentenced persons.

The PM’s visit could boost the prisoner swap pact whose implementation has been slow, officials said.