India-US homeland security plan drafted

New Delhi, September 3

Prioritising cooperation in the fields of counter-terror initiatives and intelligence sharing, top internal security/homeland officials of India and the US have worked out a detailed draft plan in six key areas, including terror financing and cyber security, ahead of the crucial two-plus-two (2+2) dialogue.

Sources said as part of the periodical Indo-US Homeland Security Dialogue, which took place recently, the officials finalised a draft working plan for six joint sub-groups.

The sub-groups will work in the areas of illicit finance, illegal smuggling of cash, financial fraud and counterfeiting; cyber information; megacity policing and sharing of information among federal state and local partners; global supply chain, transportation, port, border and maritime security; capacity building; and technology enhancement.

The Indian delegation was led by Additional Secretary in the MHA Rajni Sekhri Sibal, while the US side was led by Deputy Under Secretary in the Department of Homeland Security James McCament. The Security Dialogue was launched in 2010 as a mechanism following an agreement for joint counter-terrorism initiative.

The maiden 2+2 dialogue is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Thursday. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis will meet their Indian counterparts to discuss enhancing engagement with India on critical diplomatic and security priorities. — TNS