The two countries discussed information sharing, countering radicalisation and tackling terrorist financing during talks aimed at strengthening bilateral security cooperation…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India and Uzbekistan have discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism and other areas of mutual interest during a meeting in New Delhi, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George met Pirimkulov Gulomjon Shodmonkulovich, Uzbekistan’s Co-Chair of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, on Saturday.
In a post on X, the MEA said: “Secretary (West) Sibi George received Mr Pirimkulov Gulomjon Shodmonkulovich, Head of Department for Cooperation with South Asian, Near, Middle Eastern and African Countries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Co-Chair of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.”
“They discussed India-Uzbekistan cooperation in counter-terrorism and other issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation,” the ministry added.
The meeting followed the 10th meeting of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, held in New Delhi on October 22. It was co-chaired by MEA Additional Secretary (Counter Terrorism) Suhel Ajaz Khan and Pirimkulov.
(Photo source: X/@MEAIndia)
The two sides discussed threats posed by terrorist groups globally and in their respective regions. They also exchanged views on emerging challenges, including extremism, radicalisation, terrorist financing, the misuse of technology for terrorist purposes and links between transnational organised crime and terrorism.
In a statement, the MEA said: “The two sides discussed the threats posed by terrorist groups globally and in their respective regions. Both sides exchanged views on current and emerging challenges to counter-terrorism, including countering extremism and radicalisation, combating financing of terrorism, preventing use of technology for terrorist purposes, and the nexus between transnational organised crime and terrorism.”
The ministry said both countries agreed to cooperate in addressing threats to national and regional security and to strengthen the framework of the joint working group.
Discussions also covered information sharing, capacity building and the exchange of best practices between relevant agencies. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation through multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) and the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG).
Judicial and diplomatic engagement
The counter-terrorism discussions come amid wider engagement between India and Uzbekistan across diplomatic and judicial affairs.
On October 4, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant met Robakhon Makhmudova, chairperson of Uzbekistan’s Supreme Court, to discuss judicial cooperation.
The Embassy of India in Tashkent said on X: “Hon’ble CJI Justice Shri Surya Kant held a bilateral meeting with Justice Robakhon Makhmudova, Chairperson of the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan and discussed judicial cooperation between India and Uzbekistan. The efficient use of AI and digital technology in the judicial system was also discussed.”
Surya Kant also participated in the seventh Congress of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Earlier in May, India and Uzbekistan held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by Sibi George and Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhromjon Aloev.
According to the MEA, the consultations reviewed bilateral relations, focusing on trade and investment, tourism, technology, innovation, energy, education, culture and consular matters. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
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