The North News
New Delhi, December 5
India and Russia on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying cooperation against terrorism, extremism and transnational crime, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks on regional and global security challenges during the annual summit in New Delhi. In a joint statement, the two leaders condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, calling all forms of terrorism “criminal and unjustifiable”, regardless of ideology or motivation. They pledged stronger action against cross-border movement of terrorists, financing networks and safe havens, and urged concerted efforts against UN-listed groups including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh and their affiliates.
Both sides called for a “zero-tolerance” approach to terrorism and urged the early adoption of the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations. They stressed the importance of implementing UN Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy “without hidden agendas or double standards”.
India and Russia also highlighted the threat posed by the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist activities. They welcomed the Delhi Declaration adopted at the 2022 UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee meeting, which focused on preventing terrorist exploitation of digital payment systems, social media platforms and drones. The leaders said they were ready to deepen cooperation in preventing online radicalisation, noting progress under SCO and BRICS mechanisms.
Both sides reaffirmed close coordination on Afghanistan and supported counter-terrorism measures against ISIS and ISKP. They called for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to the Afghan people and stressed the importance of the Moscow Format consultations.
On the Middle East, India and Russia reiterated their commitment to regional peace, calling for restraint, protection of civilians and adherence to international law. They expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and emphasised the need for dialogue on the Iran nuclear issue.
The two countries agreed to expand cooperation on climate change under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement. They welcomed the first meeting of the Russia-India Working Group on climate and low-carbon development, held in New Delhi in September, and pledged to intensify dialogue on clean technologies and sustainable finance.
They also noted progress within G20, SCO and BRICS, including the launch of the BRICS Climate Research Platform and the BRICS Laboratory for Trade, Climate and Sustainable Development. India will chair BRICS in 2026.
The leaders said the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership had remained resilient despite global uncertainty and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties in a “multipolar world and a multipolar Asia”. President Putin thanked Modi for the hospitality extended to his delegation and invited him to visit Russia in 2026 for the next annual summit.
