India and Uzbekistan Pledge to Deepen Cooperation in Combating Terrorism

India and Uzbekistan have reiterated their commitment to expanding cooperation against terrorism following high-level discussions in New Delhi. The talks focused on emerging security threats, information sharing and strengthening coordination between the two countries’ relevant agencies. On Saturday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X that Secretary (West) Sibi George met Pirimkulov Gulomjon Shodmonkulovich, a senior official in Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and co-chair of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review their counter-terrorism partnership and discuss other issues of mutual interest. They reaffirmed their determination to strengthen bilateral cooperation in addressing security challenges. The discussions followed the 10th meeting of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, held in New Delhi on October 22, 2026. The meeting was jointly chaired by Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary for Counter Terrorism in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Pirimkulov Gulomjon Shodmonkulovich.

During the meeting, the delegations examined terrorist threats at the global and regional levels and exchanged perspectives on existing and emerging security concerns. Key areas of discussion included tackling extremism and radicalisation, preventing the financing of terrorism, and stopping terrorist organisations from exploiting technology for their activities.

The two sides also highlighted the connection between transnational organised crime and terrorism, recognising the need for coordinated responses to challenges that cross national borders. Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in addressing threats to national and regional security and to strengthen the existing framework of their Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. Information sharing, capacity building and the exchange of best practices were identified as important elements of their future cooperation. The delegations also explored ways to improve coordination between the relevant agencies of India and Uzbekistan in combating terrorist activities.

India and Uzbekistan expressed their intention to reinforce collaboration through international and regional platforms. These include the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) and the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG). Cooperation through these forums provides opportunities to coordinate efforts against terrorist networks, illicit financial flows and other cross-border security threats.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the next meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism will take place in Uzbekistan on a mutually agreed date. The latest discussions underline the importance both countries attach to sustained security cooperation as they work to address evolving terrorist threats and strengthen regional stability.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.