Morocco and india deepen anti-terrorism ties in new delhi talks

New Delhi — Morocco and India have broadened their joint efforts against terrorism, focusing on illicit financial networks, the misuse of technology, and the links between transnational crime and armed groups. The second session of the Morocco-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, held in the Indian capital, established a shared framework emphasizing intelligence sharing, institutional capacity-building, and coordination within key multilateral platforms.

The meeting brought together Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Hicham Baali, Head of the National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ) at Morocco’s Directorate General for National Security (DGSN). Together, they addressed threats facing both nations, as well as the global spread of extremist ideologies, illicit funds, technical resources, and terrorist operatives.

The delegations issued a joint statement «unequivocally and firmly condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism». They also denounced the April 22, 2025 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the November 10, 2025 incident near New Delhi’s Red Fort.

Terrorism financing, radicalization, and misuse of technology

The discussions delved into violent extremism, radicalization processes, terror financing, and the exploitation of technology for criminal purposes. The joint communiqué framed these exchanges as a joint assessment of «current and emerging challenges in counter-terrorism», requiring a detailed understanding of recruitment strategies, funding sources, communication channels, and digital tools leveraged by clandestine networks.

A major focus was placed on «the use of technology for terrorist purposes», encompassing encrypted communication tools, digital propaganda, fund transfers, and mechanisms that could facilitate attack preparations. While no specific tools were disclosed, the framework ties this aspect to enhanced intelligence sharing, prevention initiatives, and judicial responses.

The two nations also analyzed the «intertwining of transnational organized crime and terrorism», covering illicit financing networks, logistics networks, fake documents, trafficking routes, and transit corridors that enable terrorist groups to move personnel, funds, and equipment across borders.

Another key topic was the «global movement of terrorists», referring to the international travel of armed group members, returnees from conflict zones, and the risks posed by clandestine routes. Both sides agreed to align their assessments to better track these movements and streamline information sharing between their competent agencies.

Strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation

Morocco and India explored ways to «deepen bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism through information exchange, capacity-building, and sharing best practices». This includes leveraging police expertise, threat analysis, specialized training, and comparative studies of each country’s counter-terrorism methods.

The delegations reaffirmed their commitment to joint action within the United Nations (UN), the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF). The statement highlights these three platforms as central pillars for international coordination on financial standards, violent extremism prevention, judicial cooperation, and state-level experience sharing.

Additionally, the two governments agreed to hold the next session of the Joint Working Group in Morocco at a mutually determined date. This third meeting will continue examining regional and global threats while translating the New Delhi outcomes into tighter bilateral mechanisms.