Question : MEETING OF INDO U.S. GROUP ON TERRORISM



(a) whether the meeting of the Joint Working Group of India and America on Terrorism concluded recently in Washington;

(b) if so, the issues discussed; and

(c) the outcome thereof?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH)


(a) Yes, Sir. The fifth meeting of the India-U.S. Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism was held on 11-12 July 2002 in Washington D.C.


(b) The two sides shared assessment of the international terrorism situation, including in South Asia, and discussed ways to further advance their bilateral cooperation and strengthen multilateral efforts in combating terrorism.

(c) Reaffirming their nations` shared commitment to prevent acts of terrorism and neutralise terrorist organisations, the two sides agreed to further intensify their cooperation to combat terrorism, including through expanding and upgrading anti-terrorism training and capacity building programmes in a number of areas; strengthening intelligence sharing, coordinating action and deepening investigative cooperation; promoting cooperation in counter-terrorism related technology and equipment; and, working together for the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, which provides a comprehensive and mandatory framework for sustained global action against terrorism.