India, US to ink pact on terrorist watch-list information

India and the US have decided to sign an agreement to expand intelligence sharing and information on terrorist watch-list, amid rising concern by both countries over spread of terror networks.
A joint declaration on combating terrorism identifying specific steps to further expand cooperation to deal with the menace was issued at the first India-US Strategic and Commercial Ministerial Dialogue in Washington recently.
"The governments of India and the US have agreed to finalise an agreement to expand intelligence sharing and terrorist watch-list information," Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told Lok Sabha, replying to a question.
He said both India and the US have resolved at the highest level to further deepen bilateral cooperation to counter terrorism and radicalism.

Replying to a separate question, Singh said during the visit of Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar last month, the issue of enhancing Afghanistan's defence capabilities was discussed.
He said India was closely monitoring the evolving situation in Afghanistan and was in touch with various stakeholders to strengthen Afghanistan's security and assist in its development and reconstruction.

On a question about the alleged rape of Nepalese housemaids by a Saudi diplomat, the minister said the matter has been taken up with Saudi Arabia and it was under investigation by the Indian law enforcement agencies.
"Any further action will have to await the results of the investigation," he said, adding the case is being dealt with considering provisions of the Vienna Convention relating to immunity for foreign diplomats.

Replying to a separate question, Singh said government has been actively taking necessary measures for introduction of Hindi as one of the official languages of the UN. He said the total cost provisioned by the UN on providing services in all six official languages of the world body would be around USD 492 million for the current biennium 2014-15.
The cost for provision of services in one languages would be USD 41 million per annum.
To another question, he said a total of 6,749 Indians are languishing in jails in 71 foreign countries. He said 240 prisoners were in Pakistani jails who are believed to be Indians out of which 192 are fishermen. In addition, 74 missing Indian defence personnel are also believed to be in Pakistan.