Pak needs to take irreversible action against terror groups: Indo-US joint statement | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Pak needs to take irreversible action against terror groups: Indo-US joint statement

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Sep 11, 2020 01:07 PM IST

These issues figured in the 17th meeting of the US-India Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism and the third session of the Designations Dialogue held virtually on September 9-10, according a joint statement

India and the US have called on Pakistan to take “immediate, sustained and irreversible action” to ensure that Pakistani territory isn’t used for terror attacks and to speedily bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot attacks.

Both sides denounced the use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms.(Representational Image/Reuters)
Both sides denounced the use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms.(Representational Image/Reuters)

The two countries also underscored the need for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including al-Qaida, Islamic State, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Also read: US keeps India on ‘do not travel’ list over pandemic

These issues figured in the 17th meeting of the US-India Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism and the third session of the Designations Dialogue held virtually on September 9-10, according a joint statement.

Both sides denounced the use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms. They also exchanged views on threats posed by United Nations (UN)-sanctioned terrorist entities, the statement said.

“The two sides underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take immediate, sustained, and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks, and to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot,” the statement said.

The 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were carried out by a 10-member team of the LeT from Pakistan, left 166 people dead, including six US nationals.

Pakistani security agencies arrested seven men, including LeT operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, for allegedly planning, financing and supporting the attacks but there has been little progress in their trial in a counter-terrorism court.

The 2016 Pathankot attack, blamed on JeM, targeted an Indian Air Force (IAF) base and resulted in the death of seven Indian troops.

During the dialogue, India and the US also shared information about their priorities and procedures for pursuing sanctions and designations against terror groups and individuals, particularly in light of recent legislative changes in India, the statement said.

There was a joint commitment to strengthen cooperation on information-sharing and other steps to disrupt the ability of international terrorists to travel, in line with the provisions and obligations outlined in UN Security Council Resolution (UNSC) 2396.

Officials of the two sides highlighted their efforts to address some of the world’s most pressing counter-terrorism challenges, including countering the financing and operations of terrorist organisations, countering radicalisation and terrorist use of the internet, cross-border movement of terrorists, and prosecuting, rehabilitating, and reintegrating returning terrorist fighters and family members.

The two sides also discussed mutual legal and extradition assistance, and bilateral law enforcement training and cooperation.

The US reiterated its support for the people and government of India in the fight against terrorism.

Mahaveer Singhvi, joint secretary for counter-terrorism in the External Affairs Ministry (MA), and Nathan A Sales, the US State Department coordinator for counter-terrorism, led the two delegations in what the statements described as a “far-reaching conversation on counter-terrorism cooperation”.

The two sides also resolved to continue close coordination on “this important element of the comprehensive global strategic partnership” between India and the US.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On