The EU hosted a workshop in New Delhi focusing on strategies to counter violent extremism, attended by Indian and EU counterterrorism experts. They discussed comprehensive approaches, risk assessments, and rehabilitation programs, emphasizing ongoing collaboration. This initiative reflects a deepening partnership between India and the EU in counter-terrorism and future security cooperation.
On Wednesday, the European Union (EU) hosted a technical workshop in New Delhi aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism. Counterterrorism officials from India and EU member states participated, focusing on comprehensive governmental strategies to combat extremism, assessing risks, and developing exit and reintegration programs. The EU highlighted the necessity for ongoing cooperation on both “soft and hard security aspects of counterterrorism.”
The workshop facilitated a valuable exchange among experts and senior officials from EU and Indian security agencies, discussing best practices for the prevention, de-radicalization, and rehabilitation of violent extremists. This initiative is part of the ongoing commitment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to deepen collaborative efforts in counter-terrorism and terror financing.
The session was led by EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin, with contributions from security personnel representing several EU member states including Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, and the Netherlands. Former NIA director general Dinkar Gupta emphasized the importance of innovative and cooperative solutions to evolving security threats and the sharing of experiences for more effective strategies in de-radicalization.
Maciej Stadejek, from the European External Action Service, remarked on the workshop’s significance in enhancing the EU-India partnership. He highlighted that through expert exchange and dialogue, both parties could strengthen their capabilities to prevent violent extremism while upholding fundamental democratic values and human rights.
The workshop aligns with the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy and contributes to the ongoing EU-India counter-terrorism project ESIWA+, focusing on risk management training and countering online and drone terrorism. Notably, the EU and India had previously convened in February 2022 for discussions concerning the regulation of terrorist content online, with efforts to prioritize such regulations continuing into recent dialogues.
The workshop organized by the EU in New Delhi underscores the vital collaboration between Indian and European entities in addressing violent extremism. Through sharing expertise and innovative solutions, participants aim to enhance counter-terrorism strategies, ultimately reinforcing mutual security and upholding democratic principles. Ongoing dialogues, such as those initiated in previous workshops, will continue to shape effective responses to evolving threats.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
