Modi urges unity against 'terror-harbouring states' in veiled jibe at Pakistan

Indian premier says 'intended recipients will get the message' during speech in Dubai

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made thinly-veiled references to Pakistan on Monday when he called on all nations to unite against states that harbour terrorist groups during his visit to the United Arab Emirates.

“Those who support terrorism must be on one side and those who believe in humanity on the other. Those who take the path of bombs and guns to fulfill their dreams won’t achieve anything,” Modi said in an apparent reference to Pakistan, while addressing an audience of Indian immigrants at Dubai’s cricket stadium.

Modi did not name any country but hinted that the "intended recipients will get the message".

Read: Modi addresses thousands of Indian expats at Dubai cricket stadium

The Indian premier said there was no such thing as a “good Taliban” and “bad Taliban.” "Good Taliban, bad Taliban...Good terror, bad terror...this won't work. A decision has to be taken - are you with terrorism or with humanity?" he asked.

"People on the path of terror will have to rely on bilateral talks for real solution," Modi added.

In a joint statement signed between India and the UAE on Monday, the two nations focused on terrorism and said they “condemn efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries” and urged all nations to “dismantle terrorism infrastructure where they exist and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice.”

“A clear message has been sent, a united voice against terrorism has emerged. Those who need to understand will understand,” Modi added.

Modi further expanded on India's role as a regional power and provider of humanitarian work. He stressed that India intended to foster strong relations with its neighbours, citing its help of earth-quake-hit Nepal, signing of a long-pending border agreement with Bangladesh and India’s support for Afghanistan as examples.

India has long accused Pakistan of state-sponsored terrorism, claiming Islamabad helps aid and train militants who launch attacks on India. Last week, Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted that Indian-held Kashmir was facing “Pakistani sponsored terrorism”.

However, Pakistan has denied allegations that it supports terrorist groups, maintaining that it is a victim of such violence.

Read: India violated ceasefire 70 times since July: Basit

Pakistan and India are set to hold talks between their national security advisers later this month. However, diplomatic relations between the two countries have become strained due to recent ceasefire violations by Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and working boundary.

This article originally appeared on The Wall Street Journal