External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar's recent visit to Washington, D.C., included a significant meeting with FBI Director Kash Patel, during which he expressed appreciation for the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the United States. The meeting underscores the importance both nations place on their collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime.

This interaction highlights the enduring and strengthening strategic partnership between India and the U.S., particularly in addressing global security challenges. Counter-terrorism cooperation has become a cornerstone of this relationship, especially since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Both countries recognize that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and security, necessitating a comprehensive and holistic approach.

The discussions likely encompassed a range of issues, including:

• Emerging Threats and Tactics: Reviewing the evolving methods employed by terrorist organizations, such as the use of the internet and new technologies for terrorist purposes.
• Information Sharing: Committing to exchanging vital information, threat assessments, and actionable intelligence to counter violent extremism.
• International Movement of Terrorists: Addressing the challenges posed by the cross-border movement of terrorists.
• Terrorist Financing: Enhancing capabilities to act against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
• Radicalization to Violence: Tackling the issue of radicalization and violent extremism.
• Cybersecurity: Cooperating in addressing the use of the internet for terrorist purposes.

India and the U.S. have a history of collaboration in counter-terrorism, marked by initiatives such as the India-U.S. Counter Terrorism Cooperation Initiative signed in 2009. This initiative focuses on strengthening capabilities, promoting exchanges on modernization of techniques, sharing best practices, developing investigative skills, and enhancing cooperation between forensic science laboratories.

Both nations have also been actively involved in multilateral forums to advance shared security interests. This includes cooperation in the Quad Counterterrorism Working Group, the United Nations, the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The U.S. and India have consistently called for bringing to justice the perpetrators of terrorist attacks, including the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. They have also urged concerted action against all terrorist groups proscribed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), such as al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

The meeting between Jaishankar and Patel also likely touched upon other areas of mutual interest, such as countering organized crime. This reflects a broader commitment to strengthening law enforcement and judicial partnerships.

In conclusion, Jaishankar's meeting with FBI Director Kash Patel reaffirms the strong commitment of India and the U.S. to deepen their counter-terrorism cooperation. By addressing emerging threats, sharing information, and working together in multilateral forums, the two countries aim to enhance regional and global security.