India–France Expand Counter-Terror Cooperation To Tackle Cross-Border Threats, Tech-Driven Extremism
India and France have agreed to intensify counter-terror cooperation with a sharper focus on cross-border terrorism, radicalisation, and emerging threats from terror-linked technology misuse.
The decision was taken at the 17th meeting of the India–France Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, held in Paris on 11 September.
 |
| 17th India–France Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism via @serecharlet |
The meeting came less than five months after the 22 April attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which both sides unequivocally condemned.
In a detailed threat assessment, both countries discussed state-sponsored terrorism, with India flagging persistent cross-border risks.
There was also a shared concern over regional and global threats, including militant activity in the Middle East and extremist propaganda networks operating online.
Officials reviewed challenges related to the radicalisation of youth, the use of encrypted apps by terror outfits, and cyber-enabled recruitment tactics. Both sides emphasised the need for tighter protocols on intelligence sharing and increased joint training programs.
Specific reference was made to coordination at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and the No Money for Terror (NMFT) initiative.
A proposal was tabled to expand the scope of the dialogue to include organised crime, digital propaganda counter-measures, and experience-sharing on cyber threats. A formal structure for bilateral coordination on online extremism is expected to be worked out ahead of the next meeting.
The two countries agreed to hold the 18th edition of the Working Group in India, at a date to be finalised through diplomatic channels.