India and Spain’s call for ‘Zero Tolerance’ to Terrorism

Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Spain as a part of his four-nation tour aimed at boosting bilateral economic engagement with them and inviting more investment for India’s transformation.
• India and Spain stressed that there should be “zero tolerance” to terrorism.
• They called on the international community to end “selective or partial” approaches in combating the menace which posed the gravest threat to international peace and

Background:

• Modi’s visit to Spain will be first visit by an Indian prime minister since 1988.
• Modi held discussions with his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy on ways to deepen bilateral engagement, including in the high-tech sector.
• The visit is intended towards improving economic and cultural relations with Spain.
• Spain is India’s seventh largest trading partner in the European Union.
• India and Spain signed seven agreements, including on cooperation in cyber security and renewable energy.

India & Spain on Terrorism:

• India and Spain discussed Mediterranean issues of mutual interest, including combating terrorism, threats to navigation security and trade.
• Both the nations underlined the ongoing conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East, posing major security threats in Europe and Asia, such as terrorism, threats to security of navigation in the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean and illegal migration.
• Both the countries noted that the countries of the Maghreb region and southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean are crucial to Europe’s security and stability.
• They also recognized the need for promoting regional integration and constructive dialogue among the countries of the Mediterranean by supporting regional cooperation and dialogue initiatives.