The United States and India are strengthening their counterterrorism and homeland security cooperation, building on efforts that began after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This partnership focuses on dialogues, capacity-building initiatives, and multilateral efforts like the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum to address evolving security challenges.
A third U.S.-India Homeland Security Dialogue is planned between the Department of Homeland Security and India's Ministry of Home Affairs. This dialogue aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, illicit finance countering, global supply chain security, megacity policing, and science and technology. These exchanges have bolstered strategic partnerships and operational cooperation in investigations and threat countering. Future proposals include sharing SWAT team training lessons and responding to mass casualty exercises.
The U.S. Department of Commerce plans to establish a Homeland Security subgroup under the High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG) to increase access to homeland security-related technology. The HTCG meeting is scheduled for fall 2014 in Washington, D.C., reflecting significant changes since 2004 when 24 percent of U.S. exports to India required an export license compared to less than 0.02 percent today.
The U.S.-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group continues its process with State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Tina Kaidanow and DHS Under Secretary Francis Taylor meeting Indian counterparts. The focus remains on mutual counterterrorism goals through international coordination in forums like the UN and GCTF.
Law enforcement collaboration is ongoing between various U.S. departments and India's ministries to strengthen Mutual Legal Assistance and improve extradition cooperation. Efforts by the FBI and National Investigative Agency aim at better electronic evidence sharing for cybercrime combatting.
Urban policing was highlighted during the first India-U.S. policing conference held in New Delhi in December 2013, addressing gender-based violence among other issues. A delegation of senior police officials from India is participating in a study tour hosted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police from July 28-August 9, 2014.
The Regional Safe Cities Program involves USAID, Indian state governments, Japan's government, and UN Women working together in New Delhi to create safe urban spaces for women by monitoring gender-based violence incidents.
Facilitating travel between both nations remains a priority with over one million visits annually. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security collaborates with Indian partners for India's participation in DHS’s Global Entry program aimed at reducing wait times for frequent travelers.