In a counter-terrorism meeting, India and France on Wednesday sought concerted action against regional and global terror groups like the Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
The two allies also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and emphasised on the fact that the country should not become a source of radicalization and terrorism. The two also said that Afghan territory should not be used for recruitment of terrorists, training or financing of terror attacks.
Combating terrorism a key priority of the strong& trusted 🇮🇳🇫🇷 Strategic Partnership.15th 🇮🇳🇫🇷 Counter Terrorism Dialogue held today in Paris.
Resolved to stand together,including in multilateral forums,in common fight against terrorism in regional & global context;
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/3h9dh4MSA3— India in France (@IndiaembFrance) November 16, 2021
Both the countries decided to increase cooperation in the spheres of "counter-terrorism, countering illegal narcotic drugs and arms smuggling". A joint statement by the two said that they will keep sharing information on "countering radicalization and violent extremism, combating financing of terrorism, preventing misuse of the internet for terrorist or violent extremist purpose, acting against internationally designated entities and individuals".
Significantly, the two countries also mentioned the Mumbai attacks carried out by Pakistan-based agencies and terror groups in India's financial capital in November 2008 and the 2015 attacks in Paris.
The two delegations also exchanged views on the threats posed by UN proscribed terror groups and leaders.
They also decided to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation at international fora like the UN and the FATF.
The Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism of the two countries was led by Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs and Philippe Bertoux, Director for Strategic Affairs, Security and Disarmament at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
