In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation, India and Russia held the 13th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Counter-Terrorism (CT) and the 6th round of consultations on United Nations-related issues in Moscow on December 19 and 20. The meetings were co-chaired by Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
Representatives from various agencies and departments of both nations participated in these discussions, signaling the importance of these engagements for both countries. The focus of the Joint Working Group meeting was to share strategies and experiences in combating terrorism, with an emphasis on addressing cross-border terrorism and extremism.
Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Efforts
During the discussions, both sides explored ways to combat the evolving threats posed by terrorism. Particular attention was given to issues like radicalization and terror financing. Both countries agreed on the need to enhance their collaborative efforts in countering these challenges.
The two nations also highlighted the dangers posed by emerging technologies being misused for terrorist activities. These technologies, such as advanced communication tools and digital platforms, have increasingly become avenues for spreading extremism and facilitating terror networks. The meeting reaffirmed India and Russia’s resolve to counter these threats through strengthened bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
Global and Regional Terrorism Threats
The discussions also included an assessment of current global and regional terrorist threats. Both nations recognized the growing complexity of the global terrorism landscape and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to tackle these challenges effectively.
UN-Related Consultations
In addition to counter-terrorism efforts, the 6th round of India-Russia consultations on United Nations-related issues reflected the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their cooperation within multilateral forums. These discussions covered a broad range of issues, including global peace, security, and sustainable development.
A Commitment to Multilateralism
The meetings underscored the strong partnership between India and Russia in addressing critical global issues. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to working together on multilateral platforms to strengthen global efforts against terrorism and promote international peace and stability.
The two-day visit by Tanmaya Lal to Moscow highlighted the enduring partnership between India and Russia, especially in areas of counter-terrorism and multilateral diplomacy. The agreements reached during these meetings are expected to bolster the strategic relationship between the two nations, paving the way for deeper cooperation in addressing global challenges.