US, India pledge to collaborate on combating terrorism

WASHINGTON: The US has pledged to collaborate with India on developing global approach to combat increasing terror threats and asked international community to take effective steps to eliminate sanctuaries and infrastructure that support terrorism.

After talks between visiting Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, a joint communique said the two countries also agreed to enhance bilateral co-operation to combat terror financing and currency counterfeiting.

"Today, threats transcend national borders, impacting the security and economic prosperity of the entire international community. We will continue to collaborate with India to develop a global approach to the challenges and threats we all face," Napolitano said yesterday in a statement after the conclusion of the Second India-US Homeland Security Dialogue here.

Shinde led a high-powered Indian delegation for the dialogue, which was started in 2011.

During the meeting, Napolitano and Shinde reaffirmed the commitment of the two nations to work cooperatively on law enforcement issues, to combat common threats and improve bilateral cooperation through the development and application of innovative technology.

The two countries also agreed to combat the flow of illicit finances and currency counterfeiting, and to work closely to counter terrorism and promote cyber security, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

Both US and India plan to enhance cyber security and critical infrastructure protection engagement, increase training on countering illicit financing through Cross Border Financial Investigations Training Program, and share best practices and lessons learned in the context of megacity policing.