The EU organized a workshop in New Delhi addressing counterterrorism and violent extremism, uniting experts from India and EU states. Discussions highlighted collaborative strategies, risk evaluation, and rehabilitation programs. The event follows prior commitments to strengthen EU-India security partnerships and enhance collective counterterrorism efforts through shared expertise.
On Wednesday, the European Union (EU) hosted a technical workshop in New Delhi aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism. This event gathered experts in counterterrorism and security officials from India and EU member states to foster collaboration on comprehensive strategies against extremism. Key topics included risk assessment processes, exit programs, and reintegration strategies to combat violent extremism.
The workshop emphasized the importance of ongoing partnership regarding both “soft and hard security aspects of counterterrorism,” according to an EU statement. Participants exchanged best practices focusing on prevention, de-radicalization, and the rehabilitation of individuals involved in violent extremism.
This workshop followed the recent visit from the European College of Commissioners, where India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening counter-terrorism collaboration and combating terrorism financing. Both parties also expressed their intent to explore a security and defense partnership.
EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin opened the event, which featured security practitioners from various EU member states, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, and the Netherlands. Former National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director General Dinkar Gupta highlighted the evolving security threats faced by India and the EU, advocating for innovative and collaborative solutions in developing effective strategies.
Maciej Stadejek, Director for Security and Defense Policy in the European External Action Service, remarked on the significance of the workshop in enhancing EU-India counterterrorism partnerships. He emphasized that sharing expertise strengthens both parties’ capabilities to counter extremist threats while upholding democratic values and human rights.
This workshop is part of the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy and builds upon the ongoing project ESIWA+ (Enhancing the EU’s Security Cooperation In and With Asia & the Indo-Pacific). This initiative includes specialized training for Indian security personnel on risk management concerning chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, and strategies for countering online and drone terrorism.
The first joint workshop between the EU and India took place in February 2022, focusing on the regulation of online terrorist content, which has become a priority in their dialogues since initial discussions began in November 2020. The need for cooperation in addressing terrorist content continued to be a focal point during the recent College of Commissioners visit to India.
The EU’s recent workshop in New Delhi symbolizes a commitment to strengthening collaborative efforts in counterterrorism between India and EU member states. By addressing risk evaluation, reintegration strategies, and exchanging best practices, both parties aim to enhance their capacities against violent extremism. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aligning with the EU’s Indo-Pacific objectives and underlines the importance of democratic values and human rights in counter-terrorism efforts.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
