NEW DELHI: India and Russia reinforced their long-standing strategic partnership in the fight against terrorism during the 14th Meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, held in New Delhi on Wednesday. The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries to discuss evolving security threats, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and coordinate efforts against terrorism at regional and international levels.
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The high-level dialogue was co-chaired by India’s Secretary (West), Sibi George, and Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Dmitry Lyubinski. The discussions reflected the shared commitment of New Delhi and Moscow to combat terrorism in all its forms and ensure closer collaboration in addressing emerging global security challenges.
Strong Condemnation of Terrorism
During the meeting, both India and Russia issued a firm condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two countries emphasized that terrorism remains one of the greatest threats to international peace and security and reiterated the need for coordinated global action to eliminate terrorist networks.
The officials also strongly condemned cross-border terrorism and stressed that no country should provide support, shelter, or financing to terrorist organizations or individuals involved in extremist activities. Both sides underlined that terrorists, their proxies, affiliates, and support networks must be held accountable through collective international efforts.
The discussions reflected a shared understanding that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances and that international cooperation remains essential to effectively counter evolving threats.
Focus on Emerging Security Challenges
A major focus of the meeting was the changing nature of terrorism and the new challenges confronting governments worldwide. India and Russia exchanged assessments on regional and global terrorist activities, highlighting the importance of sharing intelligence, best practices, and operational experiences.
The two sides discussed growing concerns over radicalization, particularly through online platforms, and examined ways to counter extremist propaganda that targets vulnerable populations. They also reviewed the increasing misuse of digital technologies and emerging innovations by terrorist groups for recruitment, communication, financing, and operational planning.
Recognizing the rapid evolution of these threats, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in addressing the misuse of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.
Cooperation Against Terror Financing
India and Russia also emphasized the importance of disrupting financial networks that enable terrorist organizations to operate. The meeting discussed measures to strengthen cooperation in preventing terror financing and improving information exchange between relevant agencies.
Both sides acknowledged that cutting off financial resources is critical to weakening terrorist groups and preventing future attacks. Enhanced collaboration in tracking illicit financial flows, strengthening regulatory mechanisms, and sharing intelligence will remain important areas of cooperation between the two countries.
The officials also explored ways to improve institutional coordination to ensure a more effective response against financing channels used by extremist organizations.
Shared Assessment on Regional and Global Terrorism
The dialogue included detailed discussions on the evolving security situation across different regions. India and Russia exchanged views on current terrorist threats, regional instability, and the activities of extremist organizations operating across borders.
Both countries recognized that terrorism continues to evolve with changing geopolitical developments and technological advancements. They agreed that closer consultation and regular dialogue would help strengthen preparedness and improve coordinated responses to emerging threats.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of sustained engagement between security and diplomatic institutions to address complex security challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.
Commitment to Multilateral Cooperation
Apart from bilateral cooperation, India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism efforts through major international and regional organizations.
The two countries agreed to continue working closely at multilateral platforms, including the United Nations (UN), BRICS, the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Officials noted that these forums provide valuable opportunities to build consensus, improve coordination, and develop common strategies against terrorism. Both sides stressed the importance of implementing international commitments while respecting international law and promoting effective global cooperation.
India and Russia also emphasized that multilateral engagement remains essential in addressing transnational terrorism, terror financing, cyber-enabled extremism, and other evolving security threats.
Longstanding Strategic Partnership
Counter-terrorism has remained a significant pillar of the India-Russia strategic partnership for many years. Regular meetings of the Joint Working Group provide an important platform for reviewing existing cooperation, exchanging assessments, and identifying new areas of collaboration.
The latest meeting demonstrated the continued commitment of both governments to deepen security cooperation amid an increasingly complex global security environment. With terrorism becoming more technologically sophisticated and internationally connected, India and Russia acknowledged the need for stronger intelligence sharing, coordinated diplomatic initiatives, and capacity-building efforts.
The discussions concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction over the progress made in bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and agreeing to further strengthen collaboration through sustained dialogue and practical cooperation.
As global security challenges continue to evolve, the India-Russia partnership in counter-terrorism is expected to remain an important component of their broader strategic relationship, contributing to regional stability and international efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms.
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