India, US coop must entail response to terror: HM

Citing the recent events in Pakistan, India has highlighted risks posed by the "epicentre of terrorism" based in that country and pushed the US for announcement of security cooperation that will entail pre-emptive steps and effective response to terror incidents.Launching the Homeland Security Dialogue in New Delhi on Friday, India and the US vowed to defeat the forces of terrorism through a series of steps like intelligence sharing and pressed Pakistan to move expeditiously in prosecuting those involved in Mumbai attacks.

During the day-long meeting, Home Minister P Chidambaram and his US counterpart Janet Napolitino discussed the Mumbai attacks case and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation through agency-to-agency engagement, information sharing, forensics and investigation.They agreed to designated points of contact and establish protocols for engagement."In a world of complex challenges, including new and emerging forms of threats, terrorism remains a principal challenge for our two countries," Chidambaram said in his opening remarks setting the tone for the discussions.

Apparently referring to the detection and killing of Osama bin Laden in Abottabad and attack on the naval base near Karachi, he said "the events of the past few days, especially inside Pakistan, speak to the successes and to the enduring risks and challenges."Pointing out to Napolitano that the "global epicenter of terrorism" was in India's western neighbourhood, Chidambaram said "our cooperation must cover all aspects of the challenges that we face: anticipating and predicting threats, taking preventive or pre-emptive measures or responding effectively and quickly to incidents."

Talking in the context of Mumbai attacks, the US promised to share comprehensively with India the information related to the terror incident.Napolitino equated Lashkar-e-Taiba, Pakistan-based outfit responsible for 26/11, with al Qaeda but was evasive when pointed out that LeT founder Hafiz Saeed was roaming freely in Pakistan and even offered prayers for Osama bin Laden after his killing."I think in my judgement, the LeT ranks right up there in the al Qaeda and related groups as terrorist organisations, one that seeks to harm people and takes innocent lives".

"Our perspective, the US perspective, is LeT is very, I do not want to say important as that gives it too much credibiltiy, but an organisation that is of the same ranking as the al Qaeda related groups," she said at a joint press conference with Chidambaram.

To a question, she pointed out that the US had given India "full access" to David Coleman Headley, US-based LeT operative who played a key role in the Mumbai attacks."I think when the case is over, there will probably be more access given," the US Homeland Security Secretary said without elaborating.

India has sought access to Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian of Pakistani origin and another key accused in Mumbai attacks, who is facing trial in a Chicago court."When the case is invigilation it is inappropriate to comment," Napolitino said.

She ducked questions on whether she agreed with India's conviction that Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI was involved in plotting the Mumbai attacks and if the US would lean on Islamabad to end terror directed against India."(US) Secretary of State (Hillary Clinton) is today in Pakistan and has already commented on it," she said.

Napolitano said the US and India face common threats and should develop common approaches to protect shared critical infrastructure and a free flow of people and commerce across the borders.

Chidambaram noted that "there has always been great public and political expectation about India-US cooperation on counter-terrorism" which was because of various reason including "US expertise and capabilities, and the perception in India that the United States exercises a strong influence on the country that is the hub of global terror".

Emphasising that dealing with the challenge of terrorism was a priority for the people of India; the Home Minister drew her attention to the "vast infrastructure of terrorism in Pakistan" which has "for long flourished as an instrument of state policy".He said that today, different terrorist groups, operating from the "safe havens in Pakistan, are becoming increasingly fused; the society in Pakistan has become increasingly radicalized; its economy has weakened; and, the state structure in Pakistan has become fragile."Today, Pakistan itself faces a major threat from the same forces. Its people as well as its state institutions are under attack."

The Home Minister said terrorist infiltration or fake currency inflow takes place through India's western border besides being routed through countries with which India shares open borders.Citing the "complexity of our region", Chidambaram said India has a comprehensive neighbourhood strategy that is based on political engagement, especially with Pakistan."A stable, peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood is vital for the security of the people of India," he said.

Chidambaram said a strong and effective India-US cooperation in homeland security and counter-terrorism was indispensable for the strategic partnership."Certainly, US political support and operational cooperation during and after the Mumbai attack meant a great deal to the people of India. We appreciate the US efforts to bring the perpetrators of Mumbai terror attack, and others associated with it, to justice," he said.The Home Minister noted that while he was meeting Napolitano the trial of Tahawwur Rana was taking place in Chicago.

Napolitano said after her arrival in Mumbai, she spent some time "learning" about the details of the 26/11 attacks."One of the things I did as well was to lay a wreath at the memorial to the police officials who were killed in those terrorist attacks," she said.

The two sides outlined a series of steps to be taken to enhance cooperation in Homeland Security.Among the six initiatives both the countries are going to take include global supply chain transportation covering ports, borders and coastal security; mega city policing and sharing of information; illicit finance, smuggling of cash, financial fraud and counterfeiting, cyber security and infrastructure protection; capacity building and technology upgradation and modernisation.

Indian Home Secretary and US Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security will meet after six months to review the progress and the Ministerial meeting will take place every year.

Courtesy : DDN