India-EU talks today, misuse of drones for terrorism on agenda

New Delhi, February 7

New Delhi will host the first-ever EU-India roundtable on countering terrorist exploitation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on Thursday.

This is the first time an EU-India Track 1.5 dialogue will discuss current and emerging threats associated with the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) — commonly known as drones — by extremists and non-state actors.

Understanding threats involved

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• The inaugural dialogue seeks to understand the range of threats involved with drones and the best practices regarding regulatory, tactical and investigative responses
• Commercial drones have been developing rapidly in recent years, and extremists have exploited these devices for different purposes, including violent attacks

“The dialogue seeks to better understand the range of threats involved with (particularly consumer-grade) UAS technology, and the emerging best practices regarding regulatory, tactical and investigative responses,” stated an EU news release.

Participants from the EU and India will also discuss best practices regarding regulatory, tactical and investigative responses to addressing UAS threats in both regions. Commercial UAS have been developing rapidly in recent years, both in terms of technological sophistication and consumer availability. Violent extremists have exploited these inexpensive and adaptable consumer devices for different purposes, including reconnaissance and violent attacks.

The roundtable is part of a series of ongoing counterterrorism engagement between the EU and India, under the rubric of the EU project on Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA).

“If a relatively cheap device can carry and fly a pizza or biryani, then clearly, they can also be used for carrying more nefarious payloads, such as weapons or explosives,” EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin said.