As set out in a formal announcement, New Delhi, 07 October 2026 – The 6th meeting of the India-Italy Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime concluded on 06 October 2026, alongside the 2nd meeting of the India-Italy Permanent Task Force on Countering Financing of Terrorism. The events, held in New Delhi, underscored a sustained commitment between the two nations to address shared security challenges. The core purpose of these meetings, co-chaired by Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary (Counter Terrorism) at the Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Mr. Paolo Mari, Joint Secretary for G7-G20, Transnational Threats and Integrated Strategy, Directorate General for Political Affairs and International Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, was to deepen cooperation in combating terrorism and organized crime. The statement does not mention any specific outcomes or agreed-upon actions, only the continuation of the dialogues.
Background
The India-Italy JWG on Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime was established to foster collaboration between the two countries on combating terrorism and related illicit activities. The Permanent Task Force on Countering Financing of Terrorism was established to strengthen cooperation in countering terrorist financing. Prior to this meeting, the 11th meeting of the BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime was held on 29 September 2026, chaired by Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs of India. The statement does not mention the specific number of previous JWG meetings.
Analysis
The continued meetings highlight a strategic alignment between India and Italy regarding regional security. The condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, demonstrates a shared understanding of the evolving threat landscape. The discussions centered on broadening the scope of cooperation beyond traditional counter-terrorism measures to encompass emerging technologies – information, communication, and financial – which are increasingly exploited by terrorist groups. This suggests a recognition of the need to adapt to new methods of financing and recruitment. The reaffirmation of the need for strengthening cooperation in effectively countering the misuse of new and emerging technologies including information, communication and financial technologies for terrorist purposes indicates a proactive approach to mitigating risks.
Implications
The deepening dialogue has implications for regional security, particularly in South Asia. The focus on countering financing of terrorism is crucial given the evolving methods employed by terrorist organizations. The ongoing discussions with Italy regarding multilateral cooperation within the UN, GCTF and FATF signal a desire to leverage international mechanisms to address transnational threats. The planned meeting in Rome, Italy, on mutually convenient dates, suggests a commitment to building a sustained partnership. The statement does not address the potential impact on trade or security agreements.
Outlook
Should the visit yield further agreements on information sharing and capacity building, as discussed, it would represent a strengthening of the bilateral security relationship. If the next meeting in Rome proceeds as planned, it would demonstrate a continued commitment to collaboration. Should the meeting in Rome not produce a firm schedule, the statement does not indicate any changes to the ongoing dialogue.
Conclusion
The continued meetings between India and Italy regarding counter-terrorism and financing of terrorism underscore a shared recognition of complex and evolving security threats. The trajectory of these discussions will ultimately depend on the willingness of both nations to translate dialogue into tangible operational cooperation.
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