India and the US seek action against terror groups.
India and the United States met in Washington earlier this week to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in countering terror threats. Top counter-terrorism officials from both sides met under a bilateral joint working group framework.
Key issues discussed included bringing perpetrators of major terror attacks in India to justice. This was seen as an indirect reference to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, based in Pakistan, which are accused of carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attacks and 2016 Pathankot airbase attacks, respectively.
The two sides also shared information on priorities and procedures for designating terror entities and individuals at multilateral levels. They reviewed the evolving tactics being employed by terror outfits, such as using the Internet and new technologies for recruitment and financing terror activities.
Strengthening legal cooperation through information sharing and mutual legal assistance was also highlighted. Commitments were renewed to cooperate in Quad and other multilateral initiatives like the UN against listed terror groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
India and the US reaffirmed counter-terrorism as a critical part of their strategic partnership. Coordination between various agencies of the two democracies was lauded as helping build an inclusive approach.
Experts note both country’s priorities align on threats, though views on some entities may differ. Nonetheless, cooperation with Pakistan-based anti-India groups is growing in depth.
This meeting aimed to synergize capabilities further as threats expand into new domains. With shared interests in a free Indo-Pacific, stronger Indo-US coordination on terror is important for regional stability.
