Joint Efforts of India and Central Asia on Counter-Terrorism

Introduction

The joint declaration of the SCO Summit in Astana marked a significant milestone in counter-terrorism cooperation, with strong language on terrorism, cross-border extremism, and references to territorial integrity. This article delves into the growing partnership between India and Central Asian countries, highlighting shared concerns and coordinated responses to the threat of terrorism.

Terrorism: A Persistent Threat

Terrorism remains a critical concern for both India and Central Asia. The arrest of six sympathizers of the banned extremist group Hizbut Tahrir in Chennai raised alarms within the Indian security establishment. Fears of the group's ideology spreading in India prompted swift action by local authorities, including arrests and the seizure of extremist literature.

Central Asia's Battle Against Extremism

Central Asia, particularly nations like Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, is confronting growing extremist networks. Kazakhstan recently detained radicals in key regions, while Kyrgyzstan escalated its efforts against Hizbut Tahrir, arresting several members and confiscating weapons and propaganda materials. The increasing presence of ISIS in the region, particularly after a Moscow attack in March, adds to the complexity, with the United Nations designating ISIS as a major threat in Central Asia.

India’s Response and Collaboration

India is particularly attentive to the spread of extremism in Central Asia due to the potential spillover effects on its own security. The Astana Declaration highlighted India’s collaboration with Central Asian countries, focusing on cross-border terrorism and radicalism. Moving forward, India is expected to deepen its counter-terrorism engagements with its Central Asian counterparts.

The SCO Summit and its Outcomes

The SCO Summit’s Astana Declaration outlined a strong commitment to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism. It condemned any terrorist actions against citizens, diplomatic missions, and consular offices of SCO member states, emphasizing the inviolability of these institutions under international law. The Declaration also called for a unified international approach to combating terrorism, rejecting double standards and supporting the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention for the Suppression of International Terrorism.

Combatting Extremism in the Digital Age

One of the central themes of the Declaration was the need to counter the use of cyberspace by terrorists to spread extremist ideologies, particularly among the youth. The SCO member states affirmed their dedication to preventing the use of information and communication technologies for terrorist purposes and cyber propaganda.

India’s Focus on ISIS-K

India has been closely monitoring the rise of the ISIS-Khorasan Province (ISKP), an offshoot of ISIS, in Afghanistan and neighboring regions. This group poses a significant security challenge not only to Central Asia but also to India. Indian security experts are focusing on areas like north-eastern Iran and parts of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, where ISKP activities could undermine regional stability.

Conclusion

The collaboration between India and Central Asia in counter-terrorism efforts is growing in importance as both regions face rising threats from extremist groups. Through joint actions, such as those outlined in the SCO Summit's Astana Declaration, India and Central Asian states are strengthening their defenses against terrorism and extremism, setting a robust framework for future cooperation. As the region continues to confront new threats, including the rise of ISKP, this partnership is likely to expand further in the coming years.