The official readout frames the trip as 22 October, 2026
The 10th meeting of India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held in New Delhi. Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs, co-chaired the meeting with Mr. Pirimkulov Gulomjon Shodmonkulovich, Head of the Department for Cooperation with South Asian, Near, Middle Eastern and African Countries under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The statement does not address the specific number of participants or the duration of the meeting.
Background
Prior statements by the Ministry of External Affairs, dated 6th October, detail a 6th Meeting of India-Italy Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime and 2nd Meeting of the India-Italy Permanent Task Force on Countering Financing of Terrorism. This meeting, chaired by Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs of India and Mr. , focused on countering terrorism and organized crime, alongside financing of terrorism. Furthermore, the 11th meeting of the BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (JWG-CTTC), chaired by Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs of India, highlighted a broader regional security engagement. These meetings demonstrate a sustained effort to coordinate counter-terrorism strategies.
Analysis
The core objective of the 10th meeting, as stated, is to strengthen bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism. The discussion around “threats posed by terrorist groups globally and in their respective regions” indicates a shared recognition of the evolving nature of the threat landscape. The agreement to “cooperate in addressing the threats and challenges to national and regional security” implies a mutual commitment to joint operational efforts. The exchange of “views on current and emerging challenges” suggests a proactive approach to anticipating and mitigating risks. The deliberate focus on “countering extremism and radicalization, combating financing of terrorism, preventing use of technology for terrorist purposes” represents a multi-faceted strategy. The agreement to “strengthen the framework of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism” underscores the importance of this ongoing mechanism.
Implications
The continued engagement between India and Uzbekistan has implications for regional security stability. The commitment to “information sharing, capacity building and sharing of best practices” suggests a willingness to enhance operational effectiveness. The reaffirmation of commitment to multilateral fora – the UN, SCO-RATS and EAG – indicates a prioritization of international collaboration. Should the visit yield further opportunities for cooperation, it could bolster India’s counter-terrorism posture in Central Asia. The prospect of “developing cooperation in the fight against terrorism between the relevant agencies of India and Uzbekistan” suggests a deepening of operational ties.
Outlook
If the next meeting of the Joint Working Group is held in Uzbekistan on a mutually-convenient date, it would represent a continuation of the established pattern of collaboration. Should the prospect of developing cooperation in the fight against terrorism between the relevant agencies of India and Uzbekistan be fully realized, this could enhance the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts. The reaffirmed commitment to multilateral fora suggests a dedication to supporting international initiatives.
Conclusion
The 10th meeting of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism highlights a consistent, albeit largely procedural, effort to maintain a framework for security cooperation. The statement does not address the long-term strategic goals driving this engagement.
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
- 6th Meeting of India-Italy Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime and 2nd Meeting of the India-Italy Permanent Task Force on Countering Financing of Terrorism (07 October)
- 11th meeting of the BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (JWG-CTTC) (29 Septemb)
