India and Iraq can fight terrorism together: Iraqi NSA Falih Al Fayyadh

India could be an ideal partner for Iraq in tackling international terror, visiting Iraqi National Security Advisor Falih Al Fayyadh said on Friday.

"India with its historical ties with Iraq and a country which itself is inflicted with terrorism could be an ideal partner with Iraq in tackling international terror," Fayyadh said at an interaction at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis here.

With around seven million Indians working in Gulf, India has strong interests in the region.

"India like Iraq faces same challenges from externally supported extremist groups. Therefore, it is logical that both India and Iraq cooperate over the issue of terrorism," said Fayyadh, who is here on an official visit.

He said counter terrorism cooperation between the two countries can be in the form of information sharing and capacity building.

Fayyadh said his country has transitioned from authoritarian rule to democracy under difficult conditions, but now faces the brunt of international terrorism, which is attacking the democratic process.

"Terrorism is an unrealistic and unstable ideology but, unfortunately, this is supported by some of the rich countries in the region," he said.

He however expressed satisfaction that the international community is now willing to cooperate and assist Iraq in dealing with terrorism.