India-U.S. Senior Officials Strengthen Bilateral Security Ties in Homeland Security Dialogue

New Delhi:  The Homeland Security Dialogue (HSD) between India and the United States took place in New Delhi, with Ajay Bhalla, Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and Ms Kristie Canegallo, Acting Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading their respective delegations, today.

The discussions centered on the ongoing cooperation between the two nations in counter-terrorism and security domains, highlighting the vital role played by this collaboration in the India-U.S. strategic partnership. Emphasis was placed on identifying steps to enhance joint efforts in combating terrorism, violent extremism, drug trafficking, organized crime, and ensuring transportation security.

Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties by addressing issues related to safe and legal migration, countering illegal migration, human trafficking, money laundering, cyber-crimes, and the misuse of the cyber domain for illegal activities, including terror-financing.

The co-chairs expressed their keen interest in consolidating the mutually beneficial collaboration between the law enforcement agencies of both nations. This includes the exchange of information, capacity building, technical assistance, and regular meetings of sub-groups established under the Homeland Security Dialogue framework.

The dialogue concluded with the signing of a crucial document aimed at deepening bilateral security cooperation: a Memorandum of Cooperation on law enforcement training. This agreement establishes collaboration between the U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Training Centre and India’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.

Looking ahead, both sides agreed to hold the next round of the Senior Officials’ Homeland Security Dialogue in Washington D.C. at a mutually convenient date. This commitment underscores the continuous efforts of India and the United States to fortify their partnership in ensuring the safety and security of their nations and the broader international community.