Washington, Dec 8 (NationPress) US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, has landed in India for an official visit. During her time here, she is set to engage with senior Indian officials to deliberate on regional security, economic collaboration, and shared objectives in the Indo-Pacific. This includes discussions through the Foreign Office Consultations with Foreign Secretary (FS) Vikram Misri.

The US Embassy in India remarked that Hooker's visit is aimed at bolstering US President Donald Trump's agenda for a robust US-India partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

"The US Mission is thrilled to welcome US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker to India! As we strive to enhance the US-India relationship on numerous vital matters impacting our economic and national security, the Under Secretary’s visit will further US President priorities for a strong US-India alliance and a free and open Indo-Pacific," the US Embassy in India shared on X.

In addition to New Delhi, Hooker will also proceed to Bengaluru, where she plans to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and interact with leaders from India's vibrant space, energy, and technology sectors to foster innovation in US-India research partnerships and explore avenues for expanded cooperation, according to a statement from the US Embassy and Consulates in India.

As per the US Embassy in India, "Under Secretary Hooker's visit will emphasize advancing the US-India strategic partnership, enhancing economic and commercial relationships, including augmenting American exports, and promoting collaboration in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and space exploration."

Recently, India and the United States assessed a broad spectrum of traditional and emerging threats, such as terrorist recruitment, the misuse of technology for terrorist purposes, and the financing of terrorism, during the 21st Meeting of the India-US Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism (CT) and the 7th Designations Dialogue held in New Delhi.

Both parties categorically condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They expressed concern over the escalating use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and AI for terrorist activities.

They strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, and the recent dreadful terror incident near the Red Fort, New Delhi, on November 10, 2025, emphasizing that those responsible for terrorism must be held accountable," stated the Joint Statement released post-meetings.

Participants from both nations discussed enhancing law enforcement and judicial cooperation, including through information sharing and collaboration on mutual legal assistance requests. They also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in addressing challenges through training, cybersecurity, sharing best practices, and information exchange via ongoing bilateral and multilateral efforts.

The MEA underscored that tackling terrorism necessitates a concerted and sustained approach. In this context, both parties renewed their commitment to fortifying multilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, including in the UN, Quad, and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

They called for further designations of ISIS and al-Qaida affiliates, as well as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups, supporters, sponsors, financiers, and backers under the UN 1267 sanctions regime, ensuring that their members face a global asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.