India, US to Hold Homeland Security Talks in New Delhi on February 28

Amid the row between the United States (US) and India over the alleged assassination attempt on Khalistani advocate Gurpatwant Singh Panun, top officials from the Homeland Security of USA and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), India, will meet on Wednesday to discuss cooperation in the field of internal security.

Officials confirmed to CNN-News18 that the Homeland Security Dialogue led by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and his US counterpart Kristie Canegallo will happen in New Delhi on February 28.

“The Ministers decided to convene the 20th Meeting of the India-U.S. Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and the 5th Designations Dialogue at a mutually convenient date early next year. Both sides are looking forward to the next edition of the Homeland Security Dialogue in 2024, where leaders will advance security cooperation, through capacity building and other activities,” a Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) statement after the Fifth Annual India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November last year said.

KHALISTAN TOP FOCUS

Officials told CNN-News18 that Khalistani terror conspiracies will be one of the top points of discussion for India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified more than 50 Khalistan supporters who attacked the consulate in San Francisco. Identifying others and ensuring that all of them are brought to justice is one of the key concerns for India.

The US, on the other hand, wants accountability fixed for alleged the assassination attempt on Pannun, an American citizen. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Chief Christopher A Wray visited India in December last year and met the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director and NIA Director General (DG). Although an official statement from the NIA ruled out any specific discussion on Pannun, sources said cooperation on Indian fugitives of law was discussed.

EXTRADITION, NARCOTICS & CYBER TERROR

India is also pushing for the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana. A US court has dismissed Rana’s appeal against extradition and India is likely to raise the issue of expeditious proceedings in this regard.

Officials said immigration, human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, narcotics and cyber security issues will be on the agenda. The NIA, CBI, Intelligence agencies and MHA officials will be part of the deliberation, which will push for better evidence sharing and mutual cooperation in counter-terror probes.