India and Italy have recently intensified their collaboration in combating terrorism. This commitment was established during the India-Italy Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime. The meeting took place in Rome on January 16 and 17, 2025. Both nations are focusing on the misuse of technology by terrorist groups. The discussions aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation and address the evolving threats posed by terrorism.
Background of India-Italy Relations
India and Italy share a long-standing relationship. Their partnership encompasses various sectors, including trade, culture, and security. Counter-terrorism has emerged as important area of collaboration. Both countries face threats from terrorism and recognise the need for a united front.
Key Discussions during the JWG Meeting
The JWG meeting involved extensive deliberations on counter-terrorism strategies. Participants discussed emerging domestic, regional, and international terrorist threats. They exchanged views on effective measures to counter these threats. The discussions brought into light the importance of sharing intelligence and best practices to combat terrorism.
Technology and Terrorism
A focus of the talks was the misuse of technology by terrorist organisations. Both nations acknowledged that technology can aid in the planning and execution of terrorist acts. They shared experiences on preventing and mitigating these risks. Enhancing technological capabilities for counter-terrorism was deemed essential.
Legal Framework and Prosecution
India and Italy stressed the importance of effective prosecution of individuals responsible for terrorist activities. They discussed the need for robust legal frameworks to ensure accountability. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to uphold international law in combating terrorism.
Multilateral Cooperation
The meeting telld the significance of multilateral cooperation. India and Italy expressed their intention to work together in global forums. They aim to strengthen initiatives within the United Nations, Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This cooperation is vital for addressing transnational organised crime and terrorism.
Capacity Building Initiatives
As part of their collaboration, India and Italy discussed capacity building measures. The Indian delegation met officials from Italy’s Inter-Agency Law Enforcement Academy. They explored ways to enhance training and skills exchange between the two nations’ law enforcement agencies. This initiative aims to improve the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations.
Future Directions
The discussions concluded with a commitment to advance ongoing negotiations on various bilateral agreements. Both nations aim to formalise their cooperation through structured frameworks. This will enhance their ability to respond to the evolving landscape of terrorism.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the impact of technology on contemporary terrorism and its countermeasures.
- Critically examine the role of multilateral organisations in combating global terrorism.
- Explain the significance of legal frameworks in prosecuting terrorism-related offences.
- With suitable examples, discuss the relationship between transnational organised crime and terrorism.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the impact of technology on contemporary terrorism and its countermeasures.
- Technology aids in communication, planning, and execution of terrorist acts (e.g., social media, encrypted messaging).
- Cyberterrorism has emerged as a new threat, targeting critical infrastructure and causing widespread disruption.
- Countermeasures include enhancing cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, and using technology for surveillance and prevention.
- Governments are investing in technological advancements for law enforcement to stay ahead of evolving tactics used by terrorists.
- Public awareness and education about technology misuse are essential in preventing radicalization and recruitment.
2. Critically examine the role of multilateral organisations in combating global terrorism.
- Multilateral organisations like the UN and GCTF facilitate international cooperation and coordination in counter-terrorism efforts.
- They provide platforms for sharing intelligence, best practices, and resources among member states.
- These organisations help establish legal frameworks and guidelines for addressing terrorism at a global level.
- They play important role in mobilizing financial resources and technical assistance to support counter-terrorism initiatives.
- Challenges include differing national priorities, political will, and the need for consensus among member states.
3. Explain the significance of legal frameworks in prosecuting terrorism-related offences.
- Legal frameworks define terrorism and establish the jurisdiction for prosecution, ensuring accountability.
- They provide guidelines for evidence collection, trial processes, and penalties, which are essential for effective law enforcement.
- International cooperation is facilitated through legal agreements, enhancing extradition and mutual legal assistance.
- Robust legal frameworks deter potential terrorists by establishing clear consequences for terrorist activities.
- They also ensure the protection of human rights during investigations and prosecutions, maintaining public trust in the justice system.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the relationship between transnational organised crime and terrorism.
- Transnational organised crime often funds terrorist activities through drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.
- Examples include the collaboration between drug cartels and terrorist groups, such as FARC’s ties with cocaine trafficking in Colombia.
- Both phenomena exploit similar networks and methods, making it difficult to distinguish between criminal and terrorist activities.
- Terrorist organizations may engage in organized crime to sustain operations and recruit members, as seen with ISIS and oil smuggling.
- Addressing this relationship requires integrated approaches that target both terrorism and organized crime simultaneously.
