by Luke Allen
Military Political Analyst
Makati, Manila
lukeallenmanila@journalist.com
Shri K.D. Dewal, the esteemed Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Mr. Chris Felton, the distinguished Head of Counter Terrorism Network for Asia and Oceania, Government of the United Kingdom, led their respective delegations in a crucial discussion on the ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.
India and the U.K. strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists. They emphasized the need for strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism comprehensively and sustainably by the U.N. charter and international law.
The two sides shared their assessments of the terrorist and extremist threats in their respective territories and regions, including threats posed by globally sanctioned terrorist entities and individuals. They also exchanged views on the proscription of individual terrorists and entities as a tool to combat terrorism (C.T.) and ways of working together in multilateral forums.
Of concern to India are the active terror groups, which include Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, ISIS, al-Qa’ida, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen and Jamaat -ul- Mujahideen Bangladesh.
Both countries, actively engaging in a comprehensive dialogue, shared their perspectives across a range of counter-terrorism challenges. From countering radicalization and violent extremism to combating the financing of terrorism, the exchange of views was a testament to the proactive stance of India and the U.K., instilling hope for a safer future.
India has also held C.T. joint Working Groups with the U.S., Australia, and Japan. It has implemented the United Nations Security Council Recommendation (UNSCR) 2396, which includes watchlists, biographic and biometric screening at ports of entry, and prioritizing information sharing.
India has no national Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) programs or coordinators. Only five of the 28 Indian states have a CVE strategy. There are no standards; thus, CVE policies are based on local interests. The Ministry of Home Affairs is taking action to introduce a CVE plan on a national level.
Looking ahead, the 17th India-UK Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism is scheduled to be held in the U.K. at a mutually convenient date. This upcoming meeting underscores the ongoing commitment of both nations to maintain and strengthen their counter-terrorism cooperation.
Further recommended reading from our World Security News Senior Advisor on Global Terrorism: