How are India and Uzbekistan Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Cooperation?
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Synopsis
India and Uzbekistan are taking significant steps to enhance their collaboration in counter-terrorism. The recent 9th Joint Working Group meeting in Tashkent emphasized the importance of information sharing and capacity building to address common threats. This partnership is crucial for regional stability and security.
Key Takeaways
- Joint Working Group focuses on counter-terrorism efforts.
- Cooperation includes information sharing and capacity building.
- Condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack highlights collaborative resolve.
- Future meetings will enhance bilateral engagement.
- India and Uzbekistan reaffirm commitment in multilateral platforms.
Tashkent, Oct 1 (NationPress) India and Uzbekistan convened for the 9th Joint Working Group meeting on Counter Terrorism, focusing on enhancing bilateral collaboration in counter-terrorism through information sharing, capacity building, and the exchange of exemplary practices.
The meeting, held in Tashkent on Tuesday, was co-chaired by Vinod J Bahade, Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Gulomjon Pirimkulov, Head of the Department for Cooperation with South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. During discussions, officials from both countries condemned the terrorist incident that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
“Both sides addressed the threats posed by terrorist organizations on a global scale and within their regions. They exchanged insights on ongoing and emerging counter-terrorism challenges, including tackling extremism and radicalization, combating the financing of terrorism, preventing the misuse of technology for terrorist activities, and the links between transnational organized crime and terrorism,” mentioned a statement from the MEA.
The representatives reiterated their commitment to bolstering cooperation in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS), and the Eurasian Group on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (EAG). The MEA announced that the next Joint Working Group meeting will take place in India at a mutually agreed time.
In August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. He referred to the partnership as “dynamic,” highlighting the ongoing expansion of cooperation between the two nations across various sectors.
“I met President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. India and Uzbekistan are united by a dynamic partnership that continues to grow across cultural, economic, and people-to-people connections,” PM Modi shared on X.
It is noteworthy that India was among the first nations to recognize Uzbekistan's sovereignty following its independence. The diplomatic relations protocol was established in Tashkent in 1992, and the Strategic Partnership was declared in 2011. Numerous institutional dialogue mechanisms function at both political and official levels to facilitate regular interaction and monitoring of cooperative initiatives.
Point of View
India's commitment to strengthening ties with Uzbekistan in counter-terrorism reflects a proactive approach to security. As nations face unprecedented threats, such collaborations are essential for regional stability. Upholding international partnerships only enhances India's role as a responsible global player.
NationPress
01/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the meeting between India and Uzbekistan?
The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism through information sharing, capacity building, and best practices.
Who were the key officials present at the meeting?
The meeting was co-chaired by Vinod J Bahade from India and Gulomjon Pirimkulov from Uzbekistan.
What was condemned during the meeting?
Officials condemned the terrorist attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Where will the next Joint Working Group meeting take place?
The next meeting will be held in India at a mutually agreed date.
What platforms will India and Uzbekistan cooperate on?
They will strengthen cooperation in multilateral fora such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
