India and Tajikistan on Saturday signed an agreement to share intelligence about money laundering and terrorism financing. The countries also decided to work closely on developing trade and transport links through the Chabahar port in Iran.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and said the country was a “friend and strategic partner” of India. Modi said both nations faced multiple-security challenges in their extended neighbourhood, reported PTI. “The threat from terrorism endangers not just our two countries. It casts a long shadow of violence and instability over the entire region,” he said.

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According to the joint statement released after the bilateral meeting, the discussions were “warm and cordial reflecting the mutual trust that exists between the two strategic partners”. Modi and Rahmon reviewed the bilateral defence and security cooperation and decided to further extend and expand ties.

Rahmon, who is on a five-day visit to India, sought India’s investment in the upcoming small and medium hydroelectricity projects in his country. Tajikistan also invited India to invest in four free economic zones, The Hindu reported. Rahmon thanked India for setting up computer labs in 37 schools of Tajikistan after it was announced during Modi’s visit to the country in July 2015. He also reiterated their support to India’s candidature for permanent membership of an expanded United Nations Security Council.

Stressing on the need to combat terrorism, Modi said, “President Rahmon and I agreed today to strengthen action on this front based on mutually agreed priorities.” The two leaders reaffirmed their shared interest in fostering peace in Afghanistan. As neighbours of Afghanistan, India and Tajikistan will work together to contribute to the cause of peace and prosperity in the region, the joint statement read.