India-US sign counter terrorism cooperation initiative

New Delhi, July 23 (ANI): India and the United States on Friday signed the India-US Counter Terrorism Initiative, the text of which was initialed on the sidelines of the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the US in November, 2009.

Union Home Secretary, G.K. Pillai signed for India whereas US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer signed on behalf of the USA.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao was also present on the occasion.

Pillai described the MoU as an evidence of successful cooperation between India and US in Counter Terrorism and as being based upon the solid foundation of mutual benefit.

He also acknowledged the key role played by Roemer in bringing the proposal to successful fruition.

The India-US Counter Terrorism Cooperation Initiative seeks to further enhance the cooperation between two countries in counter terrorism as an important element of their bilateral strategic partnership.

The initiative, inter alia, provides for strengthening capabilities to effectively combat terrorism, promotion of exchanges regarding modernization of techniques andsharing of best practices on issues of mutual interest.

It also provides establishment of procedures to provide mutual investigative assistance, enhancing capabilities to act against money laundering and counterfeit currency and financing of terrorism.

It also enhanced liaison and training between specialist Counter Terrorism Units including National Security Guard with their US counter parts. (ANI)