New Delhi [India], November 10 (ANI): Noting the “horrific terrorist attack” against Israel by Hamas, India and the US reiterated that both countries stand with Israel against terrorism and further called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians. The India-US joint statement after the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the 2+2 Dialogue with their US counterparts, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on Friday in the national capital.The Ministers affirmed their commitment to continue coordinating with partners in the Middle East region on humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
“They also expressed support for humanitarian pauses and committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace,” the joint statement read.
In another major announcement, the Ministers unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism, and the use of terrorist proxies and logistical, financial or military support to terrorist organizations, which could be used to launch or plan terrorist attacks, including international attacks.
“India and the United States reiterated their condemnation of the 26/11 Mumbai attack and the Pathankot attack and called for bringing the perpetrators of these attacks to justice. The Ministers also called for concerted action against all terrorists, including through designations of individuals affiliated with groups that are listed by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, such as Al-Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed,” the joint statement read.
The Ministers emphasized the importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, consistent with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. India and the US reiterated their commitment to work together in FATF and other multilateral platforms. They expressed their 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 (UAS) and the internet for terrorist purposes.
The Ministers also decided to convene the 20th Meeting of the India-US Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and the 5th Designations Dialogue at a mutually convenient date early next year, the statement read. “Both sides are looking forward to the next edition of the Homeland Security Dialogue in 2024, where leaders will advance security cooperation, through capacity building and other activities,” it added.
The Ministers also welcomed the upcoming meeting of the bilateral Cyber Dialogue expressed their concern about ransomware and other cyber-related crimes, and recognized the need to bolster the protection of critical networks and information infrastructure. (ANI)
At 2+2 Dialogue, India shares its perspective with US on Middle East, condemns “civilian casualties”
New Delhi [India], November 10 (ANI): During the 2+2 dialogue, India reiterated its position with the US on the raging Middle-East crisis while urging for “de-escalation of the situation,” and expressing condemnation over the civilian casualties. “We have asked for strict observance of international humanitarian law, de-escalation of the situation, and also condemned the civilian casualties,” said Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra while addressing a briefing following the 2+2 Ministerial meeting.
“Certain elements of how both sides look at the situation come from India‘s perspective,” he added.
He also restated India‘s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution and the early resumption of dialogue in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“We have always stood for a two-state solution and early resumptions of dialogue. You are also aware that very early on, when the current hostility started, India put out a tweet condemning the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7,” he said.
India has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the complex situation in the region and has expressed its concerns regarding the recent escalation of hostilities. Kwatra highlighted India‘s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, noting that relief material and medicines have already been dispatched to address the pressing humanitarian needs arising from the war.
“We have always advocated zero tolerance for terrorism. Besides, there is also the angle of humanitarian assistance in the given situation. You are aware that India has already sent about 38 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to the region to address this humanitarian situation, which is there,” Kwatra said. The fifth round of the India–US 2+2 Dialogue was held on Friday in the national capital.
The dialogue is a diplomatic summit held every year since 2018, with the Minister of External Affairs and the Defence Minister representing India and the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defence representing the United States. (ANI)
