India has working groups with 27 countries to counter terror

There are Joint Working Groups (JWGs) on Counter-Terrorism between India and 27 countries and regional organisations including the US, Germany, Pakistan and the European Union, Lok Sabha was told today.

As part of its global cooperation to counter terror, JWGs have been established with 27 countries and regional organisations to provide a forum to share information and assessments, technologies and strengthening of multi-lateral efforts to combat terrorism, Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur said while replying to a question.

Noting that JWG has served as a useful platform, she said it addresses common concerns such as drug-trafficking, financing of terrorism, bio-terrorism, aviation security, cyber security and extradition.

Other countries with which India have JWGs include France, Australia, Italy, Singapore, China, the UK, Egypt, Poland and Russia.

Nepal: Strip maps pertaining to 96 per cent of the Nepal-India boundary have been jointly finalised and initialled, Kaur said.

Both the countries have also agreed to establish local level mechanisms to address any boundary concerns, she said.

Myanmar: India and Myanmar are in discussions to undertake road projects including one from Zawkhather (Mizoram)/Rhi into Myanmar, Kaur said.

Besides providing a valuable cross-border link between India and Myanmar, these roads also enhance bilateral trade and tourism, she added.