Stating that terrorism in any form is unacceptable to them, India and the US have agreed to coordinate global counter-terrorism efforts and asked the international community to come together to combat the menace in a sustained and comprehensive manner.
In a joint statement yesterday, after the meeting of the 11th US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group, India and the US strongly condemned terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations, recognising it as a major threat to democracy, international peace and security.
The two countries reiterated that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism on any grounds. "It is imperative for the international community to come together to combat terrorism in a long-term, sustained, and comprehensive manner," the joint statement said.
They also called upon all states to abide by their commitments under the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2006.
Vivek Katju, Special Secretary for International Organisations, led the Indian delegation at the meeting, while the US delegation was led by Daniel Benjamin, the US Secretary of State's Coordinator for Counter-terrorism.
The two countries discussed efforts to coordinate global counter-terrorism initiatives. The two delegations also focused on assessing the global terrorist threat, fighting terrorism through technological advancements and counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the US.
Other issues discussed included terrorist finance and money laundering, capacity building, and expanded information sharing. Both sides agreed to identify measures to strengthen institutional linkages leading to closer interaction and cooperation.
The next meeting of the joint working group is schedule to take place in India. No date has been announced yet.
