The EU held a workshop in New Delhi to address violent extremism, gathering experts from India and EU nations to discuss collaborative strategies for counterterrorism. Emphasis was placed on government approaches, risk evaluations, and de-radicalization practices. The event followed a visit highlighting enhanced India-EU cooperation on security matters, with commitments to tackle terrorism and enhance defense partnerships.
On Wednesday, the European Union (EU) hosted a technical workshop in New Delhi aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism. This event was attended by counterterrorism and security officials from EU member states and India, emphasizing collaborative approaches to combat extremism through evaluations, exit programs, and reintegration strategies. The discussions underscored the necessity for ongoing cooperation in both soft and hard security facets of counterterrorism.
The workshop served as a continuation of discussions from a recent visit by the European College of Commissioners, during which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of deepening collaborative efforts against terrorism and terror financing. The aim is to explore avenues for a robust security and defense partnership.
EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin opened the workshop, which was attended by security professionals from various EU member states including Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, and the Netherlands. Dinkar Gupta, former director general of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), emphasized the necessity for innovative, collaborative approaches to evolve in the face of changing security threats, aiming for effective strategies in de-radicalization and rehabilitation.
Maciej Stadejek, the director for security and defense policy at the European External Action Service, asserted that this workshop exemplifies the strengthening EU-India partnership in counterterrorism. He noted that through shared expertise and dialogue, both parties enhance their capability to address violent extremism while honoring democratic values and human rights.
Additionally, this workshop aligns with the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy, reinforcing existing EU-India counter-terrorism cooperation through initiatives like ESIWA+ (Enhancing the EU’s Security Cooperation In and With Asia & the Indo-Pacific). This includes training for Indian security practitioners in various risk management areas and countering online and drone terrorism. The dialogue on terrorism content online has gained momentum since its initiation in November 2020, highlighting its designation as a top priority in ongoing discussions.
The EU-organized workshop in New Delhi signifies enhanced cooperation between Indian and EU security agencies in combating violent extremism. Key discussions revolved around innovative approaches to counterterrorism, emphasizing necessary collaborative strategies for prevention, rehabilitation, and de-radicalization. This platform not only reflects the commitment to deepening ties between India and the EU but also aligns with shared democratic values and the necessity of addressing evolving security threats.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
