Cannot have differences on terror: PM Modi to Xi Jinping; raises Masood Azhar issue

During the discussions, PM Modi has conveyed to President Xi that both the nations had been victims of terrorism - a “scourge afflicting the entire region”.

Benaulim (Goa): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping about India's concerns on cross-border terrorism and also raised the issues of UN ban of Masood Azhar and NSG membership.

The prime minister told President Xi that both the countries were victims of terrorism which is “afflicting the entire region”.

PM Modi said that no country is immune from terrorism and on this issue, “we cannot afford to have any differences".

"In particular, India and China must increase their coordination in context of UN 1267 committee and look for common ground," he said.

“Our broad concerns in the current state were conveyed to the Chinese side, intention was that both sides should narrow down areas of differences,” MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the Modi-Xi talks.

“Both sides have recognised terrorism as a key issue and President Xi asserted that they should strengthen their security dialogue and partnership,” Swarup said at a press briefing.

China had recently put on hold India's move to get Masood Azhar, the brain behind the Pathankot attack, banned by the UN.

Swarup said President Xi acknowledged India's concerns on cross-border terrorism and supported the idea of enhancing counter-terror mechanism.

He said India was in dialogue with China on enforcing a UN ban on Azhar. "We expect China will see logic in it."

"When NSA (Ajit Doval) meets State Counsellor Yang Jiechi I expect this issue will be taken up further," Swarup said on pushing for UN ban on Azhar.

Alluding the threat from the Islamic State group, President Xi said that terrorism and violent extremism were on the increase, Swarup told reporters.

On the issue of NSG membership, PM Modi reiterated India's position and said he looked forward to work with China in resolving the differences. To this, President Xi said a second round of dialogue will be held soon on the issue.

"This will be helpful. President Xi told PM," Swarup told reporters.

Replying to questions whether China has softened on its stand on India's membership, Swarup said, "This shows there is dialogue, a good strategic dialogue. Of course this will narrow differences."

Asked whether China reiterated the position that membership of the NSG was by consensus among parties, he replied "no".

The bilateral meeting was held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit starting on Sunday.