Modi in UAE: PM pitches for decisive battle against terror, takes a veiled jibe at Pakistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for a decisive battle against terrorism on Monday and asked the world to choose if they were with sponsors of the terror or against them.

Dubai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for a decisive battle against terrorism on Monday and asked the world to choose if they were with sponsors of terror or against them.

Addressing a massive crowd at the Dubai cricket stadium of more than 50,000 people, PM Modi, without naming Pakistan, said that India wants good relations with all neighbouring countries.

He also underlined the fact that dialogue was the only way to resolve all issues with neighbours and cited the example of recent Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh.

The PM, who got a rousing welcome by the Indian community said, “India and UAE have decided to give strong message on the issue of terrorism. The voice against terror has been raised in unison from this land. I find this important. Those who need to understand will understand. Those who indulge in terrorism should be punished is the message that has been given today.”

This statement can be read as a veiled jibe at Pakistan.

“Terrorism has no limits, no boundaries. India has been at the receiving end of terror for long. The world must come together to fight against terrorism and those countries that perpetuate terror. Good Taliban and bad Taliban, good terror and bad terror, this won't work. A decision has to be taken, are you with terrorism or with humanity,” he added.

At the same time he underlined the need for cooperation amongst SAARC nations.

“When you travel in Europe, you don't know when a country begins or ends. Same thing can happen in SAARC,” he said.

On his dreams regarding India, he said, “We have to take India to greater heights. The eastern and north-eastern part of India needs to develop. We have decided to give boost to infrastructure there, make sure that electricity is reached everywhere, gas pipe lines have to be established.

And on the love and warmth that was accorded to him in UAE, the PM said, “I got so much love in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I will never be able to forget. In Abu Dhabi His Highness the Crown Prince came to receive me at the airport. This love and respect is not for any individual but for India and its billion plus population.”

Calling the gathering in Dubai 'mini-India' and praising the diaspora for 'enhancing India's pride', the PM announced Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) to help the Indian community and an online platform 'MADAD', as well as an e-migrant portal to assist them.

He signed off in his trademark style - Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

PM Modi arrived in the UAE on Sunday on a two-day visit.

Later after the address, the PM posted on Twitter: "Electrifying is an understatement to describe the atmosphere at the Dubai Cricket Ground. A big thank you."

Electrifying is an understatement to describe the atmosphere at the Dubai Cricket Ground. A big thank you! pic.twitter.com/S2XUhdaasr — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2015

My speech at the programme at Dubai Cricket Ground. http://t.co/wVd2jj9lwX pic.twitter.com/LI78AkVYOV — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2015