SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — India and Russia on Tuesday agreed to enter into a joint plan to combat terrorism in the two nations and around the globe, the External Affairs Ministry announced.
The decision was made during a meeting between Preeti Saran, the secretary of the External Affairs Ministry, and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg V. Syromolotov.
“Both sides agreed to a joint action plan which seeks to focus on enhancing capacity building, frequent expert-level meetings, sharing of insights, exchange of best practices in countering radicalization and curbing terrorism,” the ministry said in a statement.
The statement said both countries shared views and assessments on the threats posed by terrorism, including that of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, a reference some think was a shot at neighboring Pakistan. “They also shared concerns regarding the emergence of Af-Pak region as the epicenter of terrorism. They discussed successful experiences in curbing terrorism and countering radicalization,” the statement said.
During the meeting, India and Russia agreed that the UNSC 1267 Sanctions List processes for blacklisting various terrorists and entities must be strictly complied with.
Last year, China blocked a move to have sanctions imposed on the Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar, chief of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and one of the three terrorists freed in exchange of passengers of a hijacked Indian Airlines plane in 1999.
“Prospects for deepening engagement on counter-terrorism under the UN, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), and SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) mechanisms were also emphasized,” the statement said.
