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India-Australia Counter-Terror Talks: How They're Fighting Global Threats

India and Australia just held their 15th counter-terrorism meeting in Canberra to boost cooperation against global threats. They specifically condemned the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack that happened in April 2025. Both countries agreed to strengthen information sharing and tackle how terrorists use new technologies. The next meeting will take place in Delhi as this partnership continues growing.

Key Points: India Australia Counter Terrorism Cooperation in Canberra Meeting

  • Discussed emerging domestic and international terrorism threats landscape
  • Exchanged views on law enforcement and judicial cooperation measures
  • Agreed to strengthen information sharing and counter new technologies
  • Reaffirmed commitment to multilateral cooperation through UN and FATF
3 min read

India, Australia discuss ways to enhance cooperation in countering terrorism, radicalisation

India and Australia strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, condemn Pahalgam attack, and plan enhanced information sharing during 15th JWG meeting in Canberra.

"Both sides condemned the heinous terrorist attack on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam - Ministry of External Affairs"

Canberra, Oct 30

India and Australia held the 15th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism in Canberra, discussing ways to enhance cooperation in countering terrorism, radicalisation and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Thursday.

During the meeting, the two nations held discussion on emerging domestic, regional and international terrorism landscape and exchanged views on various areas of cooperation in counter terrorism, law enforcement, judicial cooperation and maritime security. The meeting was co-chaired by MEA Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) Vinod Bahade and Australia's Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism Gemma Huggins.

"Both sides condemned the heinous terrorist attack on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam and the Australian side reiterated its support and solidarity with India. Recognising the need for enhancing cooperation for effectively countering the challenges in countering terrorism, the two sides underlined strengthening cooperation in timely information sharing and concerted actions to counter the use of new and emerging technology for terrorist purposes, and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in countering radicalization and violent extremism conducive to terrorism," read a statement issued by the MEA.

The officials of two nations reaffirmed commitment to strengthen cooperation in the multilateral fora, including the United Nations, Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), Financial Action Task Force (FATF), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), No Money for Terror (NMFT) and Quad partners to combat global terrorism.

"The Indian delegation also met officials of the Australian Federal Police Counter Terrorism Unit, National Emergency Management Agency, and Maritime Border Command; and visited the Australian Watch Office and the Crisis Centre," the statement added.

Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the Joint Working Group in Delhi on a mutually convenient date.

Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "Nice to meet PM Anthony Albanese of Australia on the sidelines of 20th East Asia Summit."

On October 9, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong held a meeting in Canberra, discussing ways to strengthen growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Penny Wong called India and Australia "joint custodians" of the Indian Ocean.

"Had a good meeting with Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra," Rajnath Singh posted on X.

Sharing details on the meeting, the Ministry of Defence stated, "Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen the growing India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and deepen cooperation across key sectors including trade, technology, connectivity, and regional security."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some good diplomatic work! Australia has been a reliable partner in the Quad. Their support after Pahalgam attack means a lot. Let's hope information sharing becomes more efficient and timely.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I hope this isn't just another meeting that produces statements but no real outcomes. We've seen many such working groups before. The real test will be whether this leads to actual prevention of terrorist activities.
A
Arjun K
Maritime security cooperation is particularly important given our shared interests in the Indian Ocean. Australia calling India a "joint custodian" shows growing trust. This partnership can counter Chinese influence in the region too.
K
Kavya N
Good to see focus on countering radicalization. This is where the real battle is - preventing youth from being brainwashed by extremist ideologies. Hope both countries share best practices in de-radicalization programs.
M
Michael C
The mention of tackling use of new technology for terrorist purposes is crucial. Social media and encrypted apps are being misused extensively. Timely cooperation between intelligence agencies can save lives.

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