Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_ India and the Maldives took a firm stance against terrorism, condemning it in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism activities. Both nations reasserted the significance of counter-terrorism cooperation in safeguarding the strategically important Indian Ocean Region. During the meeting, they also formalized their collaboration on immigration matters through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Maldives Immigration and India’s Bureau of Immigration.
According to the statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Second Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, Countering Violent Extremism, and De-Radicalization transpired in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. The Indian delegation, represented by Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, engaged with the Maldivian delegation, headed by Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latheef.
During the meeting, the pressing need for enhancing international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner was emphasized, with both nations advocating their commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation as an integral part of maintaining security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The meeting involved a thorough review of the threats posed by terrorist entities under UN sanctions, prompting a call for collective action against all terrorist networks. There was a shared understanding of the urgency in taking immediate, verifiable, and irreversible measures to prevent territories under their control from being utilized for terrorist attacks on others. Further, expediting the justice process for the perpetrators of such attacks was also stressed by the External Affairs Ministry.
In a unified voice, India and the Maldives strongly condemned terrorism in all its manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They exchanged experiences in combating terrorism and extremism, and also discussed additional areas of cooperation, such as countering radicalization, preventing terrorist financing, and addressing terrorism’s exploitation of the internet and cyberspace. The meeting also witnessed the exchange of ideas on mutual information sharing, capacity building, and the establishment of institutional connections between law enforcement agencies, security forces, customs, immigration, and other associated bodies.
In addition to counter-terrorism efforts, India and the Maldives discussed improving bilateral cooperation in tackling organized crime and narcotics. They also explored matters concerning repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of returnees. In general, the meeting showcased both countries’ commitment to combating terrorism through collaborative and proactive measures, underscoring the importance of regional security in the Indian Ocean Region.
