India and Italy Team Up to Tackle Global Terrorism and Organised Crime

India and Italy are strengthening their bilateral alliance to neutralize terror networks by cutting off illicit financing, preventing digital weaponization, and enforcing stricter international security rules.

The landscape of global security is always shifting, and two major international players are stepping up to meet the challenge. To help protect regional stability, the India-Italy counter-terrorism partnership has officially expanded to fight transnational organised crime, terrorism, and new security threats.

Because criminal groups are quickly adapting to the digital age, officials from both nations recently met to figure out how to stop the misuse of modern tech, tackle drug trafficking, and dismantle evolving terror networks.

Stopping Tech Misuse

New technology brings incredible benefits, but it also creates serious vulnerabilities. During their recent talks, both nations pointed out how illegal groups are using modern platforms for their own gain.

The two teams agreed that there is an urgent need to stop criminals from abusing new and emerging innovations. They are especially worried about information, communication, and financial technologies being weaponised for terrorism.

To fight back, both countries promised to share information more freely and help each other build better defences. This teamwork is designed to cut off the financial lifelines of transnational crime and stop new security threats before they can grow.

A Shared Stand Against Extremism

The recent meetings gave both countries a safe, high-level space to strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border attacks. The officials stood together to denounce specific acts of violence, making a special mention of the terrible terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025.

This joint statement brings attention to the real human cost of extremism and shows a shared determination to destroy the safe havens that allow these activities to happen. By standing together, India and Italy are showing a deep commitment to global peace and keeping their citizens safe from violent threats.

Cutting Off Terror Funds

Going after the money behind these dangerous networks is just as important as stopping the physical attacks. Because of this, a permanent task force focused on countering the financing of terrorism met to review joint efforts to block the flow of illegal money.

This specific financial setup, called the India-Italy Joint Initiative on Countering Financing of Terrorism, was originally started by the Prime Ministers of both countries. The initiative officially kicked off during the Group of Twenty Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, showing that leaders at the highest level are serious about starving illegal networks of their cash.

Working With Global Networks

Realising that transnational crime crosses borders and needs a global response, India and Italy are matching up their strategies to strengthen multilateral networks. The officials looked at strong ways to work better together within major global institutions that guide international security.

They specifically talked about putting more effort into the United Nations, the Global Counterterrorism Forum, and the Financial Action Task Force. By combining their diplomatic power, India and Italy hope to push for stricter international rules on terror financing, ultimately making the world a safer place.

A Stronger Security Partnership

This growing security teamwork is a key part of a much bigger strategic partnership. The two nations are looking at security, but they are also growing a bilateral trade relationship that currently sits at about €14.25 billion. By mixing economic growth with strong security measures, the partnership helps ensure long-term stability and success for both sides.

High-ranking officials co-chaired the main talks to make sure their big-picture policies actually work on the ground. Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan, the Additional Secretary for Counter Terrorism at India's Ministry of External Affairs—which serves as the nation's foreign ministry—led the Indian team. Paolo Mari, the Joint Secretary for Transnational Threats and Integrated Strategy at Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, represented Italy.

Meeting Details and Next Steps

To keep things moving, the two partners agreed to hold their next round of security meetings in Rome on dates that work for everyone.

The recent diplomatic talks happened over two consecutive days in New Delhi, India. The sixth meeting of the India-Italy Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime successfully took place on 6 October 2026. This session was immediately followed by the second meeting of the India-Italy Permanent Task Force on Countering Financing of Terrorism on 7 October 2026.