Reject linkage between religion, terror: Modi

• PM Modi keen on Malaysian model of performance assessment
• India is a close and valued partner for us, says Medvedev
• Looking forward to Modi's visit to Beijing: Chinese Premier
• 500 top Australian CEOs will attend Modi's lecture in Melbourne

Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that the world community must reject any linkage between religion and terrorism while formulating a "genuinely international" partnership in the fight against all forms of terror acts. In his intervention at the East Asia Summit, the prime minister also said that it should be ensured that cyber and space remain a source of connectivity and prosperity, and not new theatres of conflict.

Leaders of 18 countries including US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang are assembled at the one-day ninth East Asian Summit here in the Myanmarese capital.

"We support the East Asia Summit Declaration on the Islamic State (terror group). At the same time, comprehensive response against terrorism requires a genuinely international partnership against all terrorism. Those who believe in humanity must come together. We should also reject any linkage between religion and terrorism," he said.

"Challenges of terrorism and extremism have increased. There is close link with drug trafficking, arms smuggling and money laundering," he added. Modi also conveyed India's best wishes for the goal of creating an ASEAN Community in 2015.

As part of his endeavour to constantly evaluate the performance of his government, Modi is taking a cue from the Malaysian model, calling it an "excellent example". During his meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak, Modi said he was greatly impressed by the performance assessment mechanism that is in place in the southeast Asian country.

Modi had his first meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who said that China is looking forward to the Indian leader's maiden visit to Beijing. Modi met Li at the Myanmar International Convention Centre on the sidelines of the back-to-back India-ASEAN and East Asia summits in Myanmar's capital. During the meeting, Modi recalled the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India in September, saying it would be remembered as a memorable visit. Responding to Modi's comment, Li said President Xi's visit was a "high-success". Li also said that China was looking forward to welcoming Modi.

Modi also met Russian Premier Dmitry Medvedev who said India is a "close and valued" partner for his country. The meeting with the Russian leader was the first diplomatic engagement of Modi on the third day of his 10-day three-nation tour of Myanmar, Australia and Fiji on the sidelines of the two back-to-back India-ASEAN and East Asia summits here.

"India is a close and valued partner for us," Medvedev told Modi while discussing the extent of Indo-Russian relations during their meeting at the Myanmar International Conference Centre. In response Modi said he was confident that the ties between the two countries will be strengthened.

About 500 CEOs and Managing Directors of some of Australia's biggest companies will attend a lecture to be delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, November 18, in Melbourne. Modi, who lands in Australia this evening, is the first Indian PM after Rajiv Gandhi to visit the country - a gap of 28 years.