India, Germany to intensify anti-terrorism cooperation

India and Germany on Monday agreed to intensify their cooperation in countering terrorism in all its forms, including recruitment, financing, propaganda, training and movement of terrorists.

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on security cooperation during the visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to India.

The MoU was signed by Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and German Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry of Interior Gunter Krings.

Rijiju said the MoU has created "strategic initiative" between India and Germany in the area of security cooperation.

He hoped Germany "will overcome its reluctance" on inking the bilateral Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) which will pave the way for deportation of criminals.

Krings hoped that the German Ministry of Justice will find ways to rework the legal instruments for addressing the issues concerning MLAT.

According to an official release, the two sides also discussed activities of Sikh radical groups in Germany.

"The MoU proposes to intensify cooperation in countering terrorism in all its forms, including recruitment, financing, terrorist propaganda, training and terrorist movements, countering organised crime, preventing and combating unlawful production/extraction of any narcotic and psychotropic substances," it said.

The MoU also covers border protection, aviation security, cyber crime, illegal migration and counterfeit currency.

The two countries also signed a declaration of intent on cooperation in disaster management.