‘Cooperation in defence, war on terror was highlight of King's visit to India’

AMMAN  — Cooperation in defence, security and the war on terror was the highlight of His Majesty King Abdullah's visit to India, Sundeep Waslekar, president of the Mumbai-based Strategic Foresight Group, said on Sunday.

Weslekar noted that the issue "captured the imagination" of the Indian people more than any of the wide-ranging discussions held during the King's state visit, which included cooperation in health, refugee management, trade and investment.

"The King conveyed a clear message that terrorism was a crime against humanity, and not a clash between religions or cultures.

I believe that this was necessary when the terror scene is dominated by Daesh and its remnants and Al Qaeda and its affiliates," Waslekar told The Jordan Times on Sunday.

"If the intent to cooperate is to be translated into robust action, it is necessary to focus on the minds of terrorists and the role of states. Jordan suffers from states sponsoring different brands of terrorist groups in West Asia.

Similarly, India suffers from state support to terrorist groups in the South Asian region.

If King Abdullah II launches a global initiative to deconstruct terror, he will find support not only from India but also from states across Asia and Africa," he added.