India and Russia Call for Coordinated Global Action Against Terror Networks

India and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening counter-terrorism cooperation, calling for concerted action against terrorists, terror organisations, proxy groups and affiliated networks. The message came during the 14th meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, held in New Delhi.

The meeting was co-chaired by Sibi George, Secretary West in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Dmitry Lyubinsky, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia. Officials from relevant departments and agencies of both countries also participated, reflecting the strategic importance both sides attach to counter-terrorism coordination.

The two countries strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They also called for firm action against individuals and groups listed under the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, along with their proxies and affiliate networks. This focus is significant because modern terror networks often operate through indirect support structures, front organisations, financing channels and digital ecosystems.

India and Russia also condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025 and the terror incident near the Red Fort on 10 November 2025 in the strongest terms. By specifically referring to these incidents, both countries underlined the continuing threat posed by terrorism to civilian security, national stability and regional peace.

A major part of the discussion focused on sharing experiences in countering terrorism. India and Russia reviewed current and emerging terrorist threats at the global and regional levels. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation against violent extremism, radicalisation, terror financing and the misuse of new and emerging technologies.

The reference to digital financial technologies is especially important. Terror networks today increasingly exploit encrypted communication tools, online radicalisation channels, digital payment systems, cryptocurrency routes and cross-border cyber infrastructure. Counter-terrorism therefore requires cooperation across intelligence, law enforcement, financial monitoring, cyber security and international legal frameworks.

India has consistently argued that terrorism must be treated without double standards. The India-Russia discussion reflects this position by emphasising action not only against direct perpetrators, but also against groups, sponsors, facilitators and proxy networks. This approach is essential because terrorism often survives through layered support systems that provide money, ideology, training, logistics and safe spaces.

For Russia too, counter-terrorism remains a major security priority, shaped by its own experience with extremist violence and instability in wider Eurasian regions. The India-Russia platform allows both countries to exchange operational knowledge, policy assessments and regional threat perceptions.

The meeting also reinforced cooperation in multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. These forums are important because terrorism is no longer a purely domestic threat. It moves across borders, uses global communication systems and exploits financial loopholes. Coordinated positions in international institutions help build pressure for stronger enforcement, sanctions and information sharing.

The India-Russia Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism remains an important mechanism in the wider strategic partnership between the two countries. Defence, energy, space and technology cooperation have long formed the backbone of India-Russia relations, but counter-terrorism cooperation adds a strong security dimension to the partnership.

The latest meeting in New Delhi shows that both countries are focused on adapting their counter-terrorism strategy to new realities. Terrorism today is linked not only to weapons and training camps, but also to online propaganda, digital finance, drone technology, encrypted platforms and transnational extremist narratives. Tackling this threat requires traditional security coordination as well as modern technological awareness.

India and Russia’s call for joint action sends a clear message: terrorism cannot be separated from its support networks. Proxy groups, affiliates, financiers, radicalisers and digital facilitators must be addressed as part of the same threat ecosystem.

The 14th India-Russia Joint Working Group meeting therefore marks another step in building a stronger counter-terrorism partnership. By combining bilateral cooperation with action in global platforms such as the UN, BRICS and SCO, India and Russia are positioning their partnership as a broader security response to one of the most persistent threats facing the international community.

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Source: New on Air

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