India, Australia discuss cross-border terrorism

India and Australia held the 11th meeting of their Joint Working Group on CounterTerrorism in Canberra, where they deliberated upon terrorist threats in their respective regions and globally. An External Affairs Ministry release said they also discussed counter-terrorism challenges,

such as financing of terrorism, use of internet for terror purposes, radicalisation and foreign terrorist fighters.

“The bilateral Joint Working Group deliberated upon the terrorist threats worldwide and in their respective regions including the problem of cross-border terrorism,” the statement said.

Both sides welcomed the listing of Masood Azhar, leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, as a global terrorist by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee. India thanked Australia for co-sponsoring the listing proposal of Azhar, along with the US, the UK, France and other friendly countries.

The Indian delegation was led by Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary (Counter-Terrorism) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Australian delegation was led by Paul Foley, Australia’s Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism.

“The two sides agreed to further deepen counter-terrorism cooperation through mutual capacity-building efforts, mutual legal assistance, regular exchange of information, sharing of best practices on countering extremism and radicalisation,” the MEA said.