New Delhi: Amidst heightened tensions following alleged events involving Khalistani advocate Gurpatwant Singh Panun, senior officials from the United States Homeland Security and India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) are scheduled to convene on Wednesday to explore cooperation in internal security matters.
According to the media report, the Homeland Security Dialogue, spearheaded by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and his US counterpart Kristie Canegallo, is slated to take place in New Delhi on February 28.
During the Fifth Annual India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November last year, a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement mentioned plans for the 20th Meeting of the India-U.S. Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and the 5th Designations Dialogue, along with anticipation for the next Homeland Security Dialogue in 2024. The upcoming meeting aims to advance security cooperation through capacity building and other initiatives.
Khalistan Agenda Highlighted
Sources indicate that discussions on Khalistani terror activities will be pivotal for India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified over 50 Khalistan supporters linked to attacks on the consulate in San Francisco. India’s priority is to identify and prosecute all individuals involved.
Conversely, the US seeks accountability for the alleged assassination attempt on Panun, an American citizen. FBI Chief Christopher A. Wray’s visit to India in December last year included meetings with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director and NIA Director General (DG), although no specific discussion on Panun was officially disclosed.
Focus on Extradition, Narcotics, and Cybersecurity
India’s extradition pursuit of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana is also expected to be addressed, following a US court’s dismissal of Rana’s appeal against extradition. Immigration, human trafficking, child exploitation, narcotics, and cybersecurity concerns will also feature prominently on the agenda. Representatives from the NIA, CBI, intelligence agencies, and MHA will partake in discussions aimed at enhancing evidence sharing and mutual cooperation in counter-terror investigations.
