India discuss measures to curb terrorism with neighbouring countries - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

The Union Government on Wednesday reiterated that it has consistently taken up the issue of use of their territories for terrorist/insurgent activities against India with governments of neighbouring countries at various levels. Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said the government also sought their cooperation to curb and eliminate terrorism and insurgent activities. The discussion on the issue between India and China is continuing. "India and China have established a Dialogue Mechanism on Counter Terrorism, in which the two countries discuss cooperation in this area," he said. Krishna informed the House that India has consistently emphasized, including at the highest level, the need to implement commitments given by leaders of Pakistan that it would not permit any territory under Pakistan's control to be used to support terrorism against India in any manner. "On February 25, during the Indo-Pak Foreign Secretary-level talks, Government clearly conveyed India's concerns on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and directed against India," Krishna said. "Further information on terrorist threats and activities against India was also handed over to the Pakistani side for investigation and appropriate action," he added. Krishna further stated that during the talks, Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir stated that Pakistan was determined not to allow its territory to be used for terrorist activity against any country. In January, during the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister to India, Bangladesh reiterated that it would not allow its territory to be used for activities against India. "We have recently witnessed enhanced cooperation from the Bangladesh side on this matter," Krishna said. The Myanmar Government has also reiterated their stand that they would not allow their territory to be used for activities against India, Krishna said. He also informed members that at the India-Myanmar Home Secretary-level meeting held in January, both sides resolved to cooperate closely on such security issues. Krishna said the Union Government held a series of discussions with the Sri Lanka and Maldives to ensure that activities of terrorists and those inimical to India's interests are prevented, and our security strengthened. With respect to Nepal, Krishna said that security issues including counter-terrorism are discussed with Nepal at annual Home Secretary-level talks, Joint Working Group on Border Management and Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues. "These issues are also regularly discussed at bilateral meetings at the highest levels. Measures have been taken to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly with regard to effective monitoring and management of the border," he said. Concerned agencies of the two countries coordinate action regularly, including stepped up vigil along border districts, real-time exchange of information etc. Government of Nepal at the highest levels have assured all possible cooperation in addressing our security concerns and also assured that they would not allow Nepalese territory to be used for any activity against India, Krishna said. With Bhutan, Krishna said, India holds regular bi-annual meetings on border security and management both at Central and State levels and the issue of counter-terrorism is discussed during bilateral interactions. "Bhutan has reiterated that it would not allow its territory to be used by forces inimical to India's interest," Krishna said and added that External Affairs Ministry is not aware of any reported incident of terrorism against India from Bhutan in the recent past.

India discusses measures to curb terrorism with neighbouring countries