Joint Statement on the Fifth Meeting of the India-Russia JWG

1. The Fifth Meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism was held in New Delhi on 16-17 December, 2008. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. Vivek Katju, Special Secretary (IO and PoL) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The Russian Delegation was led by Mr. Anatoly Safonov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cooperation in the Fight against Terrorism and Transnational Crime. Both delegations included representatives of relevant Ministries and agencies.

2. The negotiations were held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust. Both sides noted that their cooperation in combating terrorism constitutes an important part of the strategic partnership between the two countries and referred to the deliberations between their leaders at the recent Summit Meeting in New Delhi on 5th December, 2008 which underlined cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism.

3. Both sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever committed. The Russian side strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai and reiterated their solidarity and support to the government and the people of India. In this context, both sides underlined their shared concerns on the growing threat of cross-border terrorism and reaffirmed their commitment for strengthening bilateral cooperation against terrorism.

4. They stressed the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight terrorism including the UN's Global Counter Terrorism Strategy and relevant UNSC Resolutions. The two sides underlined the need for expeditious conclusion of negotiations leading to finalization of India sponsored Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN General Assembly.

5. The two sides noted that curbing financing of terrorism is a key component of the counter terrorism strategy and agreed to strengthen bilateral interaction in this field. Both sides welcomed the recent signing of an Agreement on cooperation between the Financial Intelligence Unit of India and the Federal Financial Monitoring Service of the Russian Federation. The Russian side reiterated its support to India's membership of the Paris based Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It was noted that India's membership to the Eurasia Group could further enhance regional Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Terrorist Finance regime.

6. The two sides expressed their concern at the spread of narcotics in the region and agreed that this directly threatens the security of both countries. They noted the signing of inter-governmental agreement on cooperation in combating illicit trafficking in narcotics, psychotropic substances and their precursors in November 2007. They agreed on the need to further consolidate bilateral efforts for sharing information and expanding cooperation against drug-trafficking.

7. The two sides noted the growing threat of use of cyber-space by terrorists in their activities and the need to cooperate in this field.

8. In the context of realizing practical cooperation among all relevant government authorities, they agreed to expand the exchange of information, experience, and cooperation in the means of countering terrorism.

9. Both side agreed to hold the next session of the India-Russia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in 2009.(ANI)

Source: ANI