The relations between Bharat and America have at times appeared to be contradictory, sometimes very cordial and sometimes extremely heated. But despite this, there is one situation which has never changed, and that is the similar approach of both countries on the issue of terrorism. Both the countries, Bharat and America, have not made any compromise with terrorism yet. Whatever kind of terrorism it may be, it must be ended; this has been the policy of both countries. Therefore, despite all the contradictions, these two countries meet again and again on the issue of terrorism and have been doing strategically fruitful work by making effective plans together for the complete end of terrorism.
In fact, the recent meeting between the two countries related to this topic, Homeland Security Dialogue (HSD), has once again made it clear that various security-related topics, including terrorism, online radical content, cybercrime, organised crime and drug trafficking, Bharat and America think in the same way regarding these issues.
Both countries once again discussed measures to disrupt the ability of terrorists to travel internationally. They call on all countries of the world to immediately take irreversible steps to ensure that no territory under their control will be used for terrorist attacks. In the meeting, internal security dialogue, cooperation, and intelligence sharing between the two countries were also discussed.
Today, when Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla from India and Christy Canegello, Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Department from America and their delegations met in the country’s capital, Delhi, there was again unanimous agreement on many issues related to terrorism.
Both sides agreed to combat terrorist financing, narco-trafficking and its links to terrorism, organised crime and terror funding, preventing and countering radicalisation, use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, unmanned aerial systems, virtual assets and the dark web. There have also been in-depth discussions focusing on counter-terrorism challenges, including terrorists’ use of emerging technologies.
Here, Bharat has expressed its concerns to America on the issue of organised crime and terror funding. In the meeting, it was also said that America’s soil should not be used against Bharat, that America should keep a close watch on the activities of Khalistan supporters, and that it should also take measures to control them.
America has today reported with evidence from Bharat how some Khalistani supporters sitting in the US are providing financial and other help to separatist elements in Bharat. Bharat insists on stopping it immediately. Overall, the Indian side has made its stand completely clear to America on the issue of Khalistani terrorism.
During the talks, both sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation in counter-terrorism and security areas. Also today, to further deepen bilateral security cooperation, the two sides also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Law Enforcement Training between the US Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy of India. Along with this, it has been decided that senior officials of both Bharat and America will meet in Washington DC for the next round of Homeland Security Dialogue and will review what we have jointly achieved against terrorism and how much success has been achieved by each.
Earlier, when American security agency FBI Director Christopher Ray visited India in December last year, Bharat and America had similarly emphasised pursuing a common policy on the subject of terrorism.
Also earlier, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides exchanged views on the threats posed by UN-designated terrorist organisations and, include Al-Qaeda, ISIS-Daesh, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e Mohammed and Al-Qaeda. The need for concrete action against terrorist organisations like Badar was stressed.
Today, it is the effect of a solid and effective Indian foreign policy that the US has publicly explained in great detail the decisions taken by India and the US on terrorism through its official Government website, state.gov. In which America has clearly said that Bharat has been greatly affected by the threat of terrorism. Bharat has always been and will remain an important partner of America not only in the fight against terrorism but also in geo-strategic and other security-related issues. We respect the way India deals with terrorism in the context of its democratic values and rules.
Along with this, one can also read the US-India Joint Declaration on Combating Terrorism here. This clearly states India and the United States’ commitment to each other to combat terrorism, which poses a profound threat to global peace and security, and to uphold our common values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law. Mutually taking care of each other.
Today, both countries have resolved to work together to address the threat posed by al-Qaeda and its affiliates, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, D Company, Haqqani Network and other regional groups. Along with this, all the terrorist attacks and economic attacks in India have also been condemned, and emphasis has been laid on taking effective steps to prevent such attacks in future.
It must be said that the result of the Indian foreign policy that is working at this time is that Bharat has developed and is developing good relations with all the countries of the world, be it social, cultural or economic trade. India has an effective role in all of them, and they are visible. The same thing is being applied here in the context of stopping terrorism. The way Bharat and America are working together today to combat terrorism is not only in the interest of Bharat and America but in the interest of the entire human race.
Today the Ministry of External Affairs is also saying that America has appreciated India’s leadership in global efforts to combat terrorism. He appreciated India’s hosting of a special meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Counter-Terrorism Committee. Along with this, America’s praise of India’s progress in other areas is enough to show that the Narendra Modi Government at the Centre is doing very good work in terms of all policy decisions. Today, so much good work is being done that every Indian can clearly see the increasing respect for Bharat across the world as a strong nation.
