New Delhi, Dec 17: In the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, India and Russia on Wednesday agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation against terrorism.
At the fifth meeting of the Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism, the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral measures to curb financing of terror as a part of their counter-terrorism strategy.
At the fifth meeting of the Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism, the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral measures to curb financing of terror as a part of their counter-terrorism strategy. The Russian side, led by Anatoly Safonov, Special Representative of the President, strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai and reiterated their solidarity and support to the government and the people of India.
Both sides underlined their shared concerns on the growing threat of cross-border terrorism and reaffirmed their commitment for strengthening bilateral cooperation against terrorism.
The two sides noted the growing threat of use of cyber-space by terrorists in their activities and the need to cooperate in this field.
India and Russia had signed an agreement on cooperation between the financial intelligence units of the two countries to step up efforts to curb financing of terror.
Safonov told Special Secretary Vivek Katju, the leader of the Indian delegation, that Russia would support New Delhi’s membership of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force.
The two sides agreed that India’s membership to the Eurasia Group could further enhance regional Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Terrorist Finance regime.
The two sides noted that their cooperation in combating terrorism constituted a key part of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Both sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever committed.
They stressed the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight terrorism including the UN’s Global Counter Terrorism Strategy and relevant UNSC Resolutions.
India and Russia underlined the need for expeditious conclusion of negotiations leading to finalisation of India sponsored Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN General Assembly.
Expressing concern at the spread of narcotics in the region, the two sides agreed that this directly threatens the security of both countries and agreed on the need to further consolidate bilateral efforts for sharing information and expanding cooperation against drug-trafficking.
India and Russia also agreed to step up exchange of information, experience, and cooperation in countering terrorism.
Leave Your Comments