India-US Counter Terrorism Measures at New Delhi Dialogue

In a powerful show of strategic unity, India and the United States have pushed for sweeping new India-US Counter Terrorism Measures at the multilateral level, urging the United Nations to impose tougher punitive actions—ranging from global asset freezes to arms embargoes—on Pakistan-based terror organisations and their extensive support networks. The two sides also pressed for additional designations against affiliates of ISIS and al-Qa’ida, signalling a stronger commitment to dismantling international terror ecosystems.

These demands came during a high-level meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism and a separate “designations dialogue,” both held on December 3 in New Delhi. The meetings reflected the deepening coordination between the world’s largest democracies on confronting evolving global threats.

India-US Counter Terrorism: India Thanks U.S. for Designating TRF After Pahalgam Attack

During the deliberations, New Delhi expressed its appreciation to the U.S. State Department for designating The Resistance Front (TRF)—a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy—as both a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The TRF had claimed responsibility for the brutal Pahalgam attack, and its designation marks a major step toward limiting its global operations, finances, and ability to recruit.

The joint statement issued on Saturday underscored that both nations consider terrorism a long-term challenge requiring sustained, comprehensive, and coordinated action.

Push for UN Sanctions: Asset Freeze, Travel Ban, Arms Embargo

Highlighting the urgency of global cooperation, India and the U.S. jointly called for bolstering measures under the UN 1267 sanctions regime. Their proposal includes additional designations targeting:

• Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)

• Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)

• ISIS and al-Qa’ida affiliates

• Proxy groups, financiers, sponsors, backers, and logistical supporters of these organisations

The objective is to ensure that individuals and entities associated with these networks face strict penalties, including global asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes.

This diplomatic push reflects a shared understanding between the two nations: that terror groups have expanded their methods, funding routes, and technology usage far beyond traditional geographical boundaries.

India-US Counter Terrorism: Condemnation of Recent Terror Attacks and Emerging Threats

Both countries unequivocally condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism emanating from neighbouring territories. The joint statement expressed deep concern over the increasing use of:

• Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles

• Artificial Intelligence tools

• Encrypted digital channels

These technologies, once considered niche, are now being exploited by terrorist organisations for surveillance, attacks, and global recruitment.

The delegations strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and the recent incident near the Red Fort, stating that accountability must be ensured for perpetrators and planners alike.

Broad Review of Terror Threat Landscape

The discussions covered a wide spectrum of threats, including:

• Terrorist radicalisation and recruitment

• Abuse of technology and cyberspace

• Illicit financial flows supporting terror operations

• Cross-border infiltration and state-sponsored terrorism

Both sides explored ways to intensify cooperation through specialised training, enhanced cybersecurity collaboration, and real-time information exchange.

Deepened Law Enforcement & Judicial Cooperation

India and the U.S. also revisited their existing cooperation frameworks for law enforcement and judicial support. Strengthening mechanisms for mutual legal assistance, faster information sharing, and coordinated investigations remains a key priority in tackling global terror networks.

Leadership and Diplomatic Engagement

The Indian delegation was led by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) at the Ministry of External Affairs, while the U.S. side was headed by Monica Jacobsen, Senior Bureau Official at the Bureau of Counterterrorism in the U.S. Department of State. Their discussions reaffirmed that the partnership between the two nations is not merely bilateral—it is global in its scope and ambition.