Chennai: Strongly condemning the Mumbai terror strikes, Suriname, a Caribbean country with a large population of people of Indian-origin, today pledged its support to India on all global forums to counter terrorism and extremism in all forms.

Surinamese Vice-President Ramdien Sardjoe, a person of Indian origin, said the country will also support India for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

"India has been a victim of terrorism. We were really pained by the mindless acts of terrorists in Mumbai on November 26 last year. Suriname pledges its support to India on all global forums to counter the menace of terrorism," Sardjoe said addressing the seventh Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas here.

"The terror strikes have resulted in needless loss of human lives," he said.

Noting that the global economic slowdown can be countered by partnerships, he said, Suriname is strategically placed to access the entire South American continent.

Sardjoe said Suriname had recently commemorated the 135th anniversary of the arrival of indentured Indian labour to the country and stressed that people who migrated from all parts of the India had participated in Suriname's political life, which is based on Indian philosophy of brotherhood, peace and harmony.

"Suriname has strong relations with India and cooperation exists across sectors such as education, health, energy and tourism," he said.

Sardjoe said the annual diaspora event helps in preserving the longstanding cultural exchanges and languages of Indian origin.
Source : PTI