Countries adopting a policy of selectiveness in identifying and dealing with terrorists especially those who allow these forces to thrive on their territories will eventually be endangered by the very same actors, says President in address to students and faculty

The University of Jordan conferred Honorary Doctorate in Political Science on President Pranab Mukherjee today (October 11, 2015) at a ceremony in Amman.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said India attaches high importance to its friendship with Jordan. Over the years, relationship between India and Jordan has been enhanced by the excellent understanding between the Governments on regional and global issues and their support for each other in multilateral fora including the United Nations. The two countries’ convergence of views on Palestine, the Middle East Peace Process, Syria, Iraq and the challenges confronting in the region today and the agreement on the need to expedite UNSC reforms reflect common approach to these important issues.

The President said India has and will remain committed to peaceful recourse in its external as well as internal policies. Instability in the neighbourhood can threaten the security and slow down progress. At a time when the entire world is affected by the scourge of terrorism, it is important to recognize that India has been preoccupied with this menace for over four decades. Terrorism emanating from our neighbourhood remains a major security threat to us. We believe that addressing this challenge should be a major priority of the international community. India believes that countries adopting a policy of selectiveness in identifying and dealing with terrorists - especially those who allow these forces to thrive on their territories - will eventually be endangered by the very same actors. India commends Jordan's efforts in confronting the menace of terrorism and its participation in regional and international efforts in this direction.

The President said India’s traditional support to the Palestinian cause remains steadfast and unwavering while we pursue strong relations with Israel. India’s bilateral relations with Israel are independent of its relations with Palestine. India supports a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders. India desires to see Palestine living side by side at peace with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap and relevant UNSC Resolutions. India has played a proactive role in garnering support for this cause in all multilateral fora. India has called upon both sides to exercise restraint and work towards a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue. India has been happy to provide budgetary, economic and developmental assistance to Palestine.

The President said India also remains deeply concerned at the ongoing violence in Syria. India has been consistently calling for all sides in the Syrian conflict to abjure violence so that conditions can be created for an inclusive political dialogue. We see this as the only path to a comprehensive, permanent, political solution as there can be no military solution to this conflict. We have been stating that such a dialogue must take into account the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria. India believes that Syria has a key and fundamental part to play in achieving peace and stability in West Asia. Prolonged conflict in Syria has already begun to have a severe impact on the region and beyond.

The President said he was indeed happy to be associated with the University of Jordan, one of the oldest and most acclaimed centres of learning in the Arab world, through the Honorary Doctorate. He expressed the hope that his visit to University of Jordan will result in the strengthening of the existing partnerships and forging of new collaborations between the University of Jordan and Indian centres of higher education. India looks forward to welcoming more and more students and researchers from this great nation.

This release issued at 2100 hrs.