India, US sign Counter Terrorism Initiative

New Delhi, July 23 (PTI) India and the US Friday
signed a Counter Terrorism Initiative that includes steps to
check financing of terror activities, joint probe in cases of
bomb blasts besides cooperation in cyber and border security.
"Today, with the formal signing of the initiative, we
take several significant steps forward against terrorism," US
ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer, who signed the agreement
along with Indian Home Secretary G K Pillai, told reporters
here.
Terming the pact as symbolic of the "indispensable
partnership" against terrorism, Roemer said both the countries
will work closely in matters like intelligence sharing and
probe into bomb blasts.
"In the coming days and months there will be even
closer information sharing and collaborative efforts on issues
ranging from bomb blast probe and major event security to
mega-city policing, cyber and border security," he said.
The pact was initiated on the sidelines of the visit
of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the US in November, 2009.
"President (Barack) Obama and Prime Minister (Manmohan
Singh) have acknowledged the common threat that international
terrorism poses to all people," Roemer said.
The agreement seeks to further enhance the cooperation
between two countries in counter terrorism as an important
element of their bilateral strategic partnership.
The initiative provides for strengthening capabilities
to effectively combat terrorism; promotion of exchanges
regarding modernisation of techniques; sharing of best
practices on issues of mutual interest; development of
investigative skills and promotion of cooperation in forensic
science laboratories.
Besides, it seeks to establish procedures to provide
mutual investigative assistance; enhancing capabilities to act
against money laundering, counterfeit currency and financing
of terrorism; exchanging best practices on mass transit and
rail security; increasing exchanges between Coast Guards and
Navy on maritime security.
Exchanging experience and expertise on port and border
security; enhancing liaison and training between specialist
Counter Terrorism Units including National Security Guard with
their American counter parts are part of the agreement.
The US envoy described it as a historic day for the US
and India as the pact would bring the two countries closer
together on issues of intelligence sharing, border security,
mega policing efforts and "to fight together on a global basis
against a common enemy, against terrorism".
"Terrorism that has brutally attacked the US on 9/11,
terrorism that has attacked the people of India, particularly
on 26/11 in Mumbai, where six Americans were killed. So, this
effort I think symbolises Prime Minister Singh's and President
Obama's efforts to create this indispensable partnership for
the 21 century.
"It is an exciting day, an unprecedented day and a
very proud day for the people of US,", he said. MORE PTI