India and the US have reiterated the significance of their global and strategic partnership, highlighting their dedication to combatting terrorism and enhancing regional security.
At the 20th meeting of the US-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group and the 6th Designations Dialogue, in Washington DC, they recognized terrorism as a severe threat to international peace and security, underscoring the need for continuous efforts in countering it to ensure prosperity and peace for their citizens and global communities.
On Tuesday (March 5, 2024), the event was led by Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Department of State, and Ambassador KD Dewal, Joint Secretary Counter Terrorism at the Ministry of External Affairs.
The participation of delegates from various departments and agencies highlighted the shared understanding that countering terrorism requires a comprehensive approach. Effective bilateral coordination is vital for productive information sharing, which contributes to ensuring security, stability, and growth in both countries and the wider region.
During the meeting, emerging threats and tactics in terrorism were reviewed, including the exploitation of the internet and new technologies for terrorist activities, international movement of terrorists, recruitment, financing, and radicalization to violence. Both sides pledged to intensify information sharing, capacity building, and bilateral and multilateral efforts to address these evolving challenges.
The United States and India called for justice for the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot terrorist attacks and urged concerted action against all terrorist groups, including those sanctioned by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee such as al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, LeT, and JeM.
Additionally, both nations committed to strengthening law enforcement and judicial partnerships to uphold the rule of law, including through enhanced cooperation on mutual legal assistance requests. They exchanged information on priorities and procedures for designating terrorist entities and individuals.
Reaffirming their cooperation in the Quad Counterterrorism Working Group and other multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the United States and India expressed their commitment to advancing shared security interests in the Indo-Pacific region. They emphasized the importance of a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.