India and the US condemn terror, violent extremism

The India-US 2+2 ministerial meeting on Friday unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism, and use of terrorist proxies and logistical, financial or military support to terrorist organisations, which could be used to launch or plan terrorist attacks, including international attacks. Pakistan or Hamas were not named in the statement.

The meet called for concerted action against all terrorists, including through designations of individuals affiliated with groups listed by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, according to statement issued after the meeting.

The meet emphasised importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, consistent with Financial Action Task Force recommendations. Both countries reiterated their commitment to work together in FATF and other multilateral platforms and expressed determination to counter new and emerging forms of terrorism and violent extremism and the use of emerging and evolving technologies such as unmanned aerial systems and the internet for terrorist purposes.


The ministers also called on the Taliban to adhere to commitment to prevent any group or individual from using Afghanistan to threaten the security of any country. They urged Taliban to respect human rights of all Afghans, including women, children, and members of minority groups and uphold freedom of travel. They emphasized unhindered access to deliver humanitarian assistance and recommitted to having consultations on Afghanistan to help facilitate an inclusive and peaceful future for all Afghans.

The meet appreciated I2U2 efforts to enhance food and energy security and improve the movement of people and goods across hemispheres. The two sides welcomed relaunch of consultations MEA and US state department on Africa.