By Naveen Kapoor

Moscow, Dec.8 (ANI): Terrorism remained the core issue of talks between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh as well as the delegation level talks on Monday.

In the joint declaration issued by both countries, the two leaders urged the international community to enhance efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The two countries also called for the United Nations Global Counter Terrorism strategy to be made more effective. The two leaders said that the respective resolutions of the UNGA and the UNSC should be steadfastly implemented in particular UNSC resolutions 1267,1373 and 1540.

Commenting on the strategic partnership and how it should be further deepened to meet global challenges, both countries called upon the international community to comply with the provisions of counter terrorism conventions and protocols, including applying the principle of either prosecute or extradite regarding the persons accused of committing acts of terror.

Both sides emphasized that the resurgence of Al Qaeda and Taliban in Afghanistan, which they said was threatening the progress made over the last few years.

Both sides also said that the fight against terrorism cannot be selective and drawing distinctions between the “Good Taliban” and the “Bad Taliban” would always be counter- productive.

The two countries also highlighted the need for a strict observance of the sanctions regime against persons and entities listed by the UNSC committee 1267.

The 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes, attacks on the Nevsky Express in Moscow and the attack on Indian Embassy in Kabul were also mentioned in the joint declaration.

Both sides also called for an early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. (ANI)