The EU hosted a workshop in New Delhi with Indian and EU counterterrorism experts to discuss strategies for preventing and countering violent extremism. Participants explored comprehensive approaches, risk evaluation, and rehabilitation programs. The event builds on previous collaborations aimed at enhancing security partnerships between the EU and India, focusing on the regulation of online terrorism and other recent initiatives.
On Wednesday, the European Union (EU) conducted a workshop in New Delhi focused on strategies to prevent and counter violent extremism. This event, attended by counterterrorism and security officials from India and EU member states, emphasized comprehensive government approaches to tackle extremism, including risk evaluation, exit strategies, and reintegration programs. Attendees highlighted the importance of collaboration on both soft and hard security facets of counterterrorism.
This workshop was part of the ongoing discussions following the visit of the European College of Commissioners, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism and addressing terror financing. They also agreed to explore a potential security and defense partnership.
EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin opened the workshop, which featured participants from various EU countries, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, and the Netherlands. Former NIA director general Dinkar Gupta remarked on the evolving security threats faced by India and the EU, asserting the importance of collective learning to devise effective deradicalization and rehabilitation strategies.
Maciej Stadejek, from the European External Action Service, stated this workshop signifies the strengthening of the EU-India partnership in counterterrorism. He emphasized that sharing expertise enhances their collective capacity to combat violent extremism while respecting democratic values and human rights.
The workshop also reinforces the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy and the ongoing ESIWA+ initiative aimed at bolstering EU-India security collaborations, which include training in managing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks, combating online terrorism, and addressing drone threats. The dialogue on regulating terrorist content online, heightened during initial workshops, continues to be a precedence in EU-India discussions since its inception in November 2020.
The recent EU workshop in New Delhi marked an important step in enhancing cooperation between India and the EU in combating violent extremism. The discussions addressed innovative solutions and collective security strategies among various stakeholders. Continual collaboration and knowledge sharing were underscored as essential elements for effective counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in light of evolving threats. This initiative aligns with broader strategic objectives, reinforcing both parties’ commitment to regional stability and security.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
