The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has said that India is concerned about the spill over effects of instability in the Middle East Region, resulting in increased terrorist activities across the world, including in South Asia. He was replying to written questions from the Jordan Times on the eve of his visit to Jordan, Palestine and Israel from October 10 to 15, 2015.

The President said the reality of global expansion of terrorism, including in Syria and Iraq and globalization of the supply chain of terrorism is a matter of great concern to India. India has faced terrorism for almost four decades, largely sponsored from across our border. India has sought to challenge and repudiate the terrorist narrative that global counter-terrorism efforts are directed against any particular religion or ethnic group. India is convinced that terrorism can be rolled back only through comprehensive, coordinated international cooperation combined with a strengthened, enforceable international legal regime.

The President saidIndia and Jordan share similar views and perceptions on regional and international issues, including Syria and the Middle East Peace Process. India strongly rejects religious fundamentalism and extremism as well as terrorism in all forms and manifestations. Given the commonality of security concerns of both the countries, India looks forward to further strengthening cooperation in the area of security and counter terrorism.

This release issued at 1220 hrs.