Australia-India join hands to identify and curb terror outfits and their proxies

The 13th meeting of the India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was held in person on 4 May, 2022.

Mr Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism at the Ministry of External Affairs of India and Mr Roger Noble, Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia led the respective delegations of experts.

13th meeting of India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism was held in Canberra on 4th May 22, co-chaired by @MahavirSinghvii, Joint Secretary (CT), @MEAIndia and Mr. Roger Noble, Australian Ambassador for Counter-terrorism in @DFAT. (1/3)@VohraManpreet @AusAmbCT pic.twitter.com/nRFJnEPbdd

— India in Australia (@HCICanberra) May 5, 2022

The two nations contemplated deepening co-operation in counter-terrorism cooperation in UN, G20, GCTF, ARF, IORA and FATF, as well as with Quad partners.

The discussions centred on the ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.

According to the media release, both nations underlined their commitment to coordinate and collaborate on this important element of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The 13th India-Australia Joint Working Group on CT reaffirms our commitment to work closely together to respond to current and future challenges. I look forward to 🇦🇺 hosting 🇮🇳 at the next Quad Counter-Terrorism Tabletop Exercise later this year. pic.twitter.com/1eO8PkWaUQ

— Roger Noble AO DSC CSC (@AusAmbCT) May 6, 2022

India and Australia exchanged views on various areas of cooperation in the sphere of counter-terrorism. This includes:

• countering radicalisation and violent extremism;
• combating the financing of terrorism;
• the proscription of terrorist individuals and entities as a tool to combat terrorism;
• preventing the exploitation of the internet for terrorism;
• law enforcement cooperation; and
• information sharing and capacity building.

Australia and India reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together to respond to these challenges.

They also discussed ways to deepen engagement between their respective counterpart agencies to further advance interaction, cooperation and information sharing in the sphere of counter-terrorism.

Showcasing Australia's counter-terrorism resources & capabilities as part of the 13th 🇮🇳🇦🇺 CT Joint Working Group. A pleasure to welcome @MahavirSinghvii, @VohraManpreet, @MEAIndia & @HCICanberra to the @AusFedPolice complex in Canberra. Thanks to AFP colleagues for facilitating. pic.twitter.com/9Q1nTjbqVF

— Roger Noble AO DSC CSC (@AusAmbCT) May 6, 2022

India and Australia strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The two countries also emphasised the need for strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner.

Australia condemned the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism in India. It reiterated its condemnation of terrorist attacks including 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot and Pulwama attacks.

Further, Australia support for the people and the government of India in the global fight against terrorism.

India has welcomed Australia’s participation in the proposed ‘No Money for Terror Conference’ that will be held in New Delhi later in 2022.