Russia ready to help India in combating terrorism

Friday, December 5, 2008 at 5:12 am under World News Russia ready to help India in combating terrorism

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday (December 4) offered “full-fledged cooperation” to India in combating terrorism and investigating the deadly Mumbai strikes. “We are ready for a full-fledged cooperation on all counter-terrorism issues with India,” Medvedev, who is arriving in India tonight for a three-day official visit, said in an interview to Doordarshan.

Describing India as a “special country”, the Russian President said, “We do have very good and friendly partnership, it is strategic relationship”. Medvedev termed terrorism as a “common threat”, saying Russia has repeatedly faced this problem.

“We are ready to help our Indian friends in countering terrorism, it is a common threat,” he said. “We all sympathise with the Indian people, with all those in the plight, and we believe that such terrorist raids are extremely dangerous: they destroy peace and order, and, unfortunately, take a lot of lives. This is what happened in Mumbai,” he said.

The Russian President suggested to setting up a global system of protection against terrorism. “We stand ready for cooperation in all areas with a view to preventing such acts of terrorism, investigating the recent attack, and establishing a global system of protection against terrorism,” he said.

At least 183 people, including foreigners and security personnel were killed in the Mumbai terror attacks targeting various locations in the city including two luxury hotels and a Jewish residential complex. India has blamed elements within Pakistan for the audacious attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

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