India, Austria call for global anti-terror push

New Delhi, Apr 16: India and Austria on Thursday strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists last year in Kashmir and called for coordinated global efforts to counter terrorism, including cross-border networks and radicalisation.
The issue figured prominently during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, marking the first visit by an Austrian leader to India in nearly four decades.
Briefing reporters, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said both sides “categorically and unequivocally” denounced terrorism in all its forms and stressed the need for sustained international cooperation to tackle the threat.
The two countries also referred to the Pahalgam attack and a terror incident near Delhi’s Red Fort, condemning them in strong terms and calling for a comprehensive response to such acts.
According to officials, India and Austria agreed to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism, including efforts to curb terror financing, prevent misuse of emerging technologies, and check recruitment by extremist groups.
A Letter of Intent was signed to establish a joint working group on counter-terrorism, aimed at facilitating information sharing, capacity building and coordination in multilateral forums, particularly in the context of India’s engagement with the European Union.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to disrupting financial channels linked to terrorism and strengthening mechanisms under global frameworks such as the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force.
The visit also saw the conclusion of 15 agreements and outcomes across sectors including defence, trade, innovation and skills development.
Among the key initiatives, the two countries agreed to set up a fast-track mechanism to address concerns of businesses and boost investment flows. An agreement on audiovisual co-production was also signed to promote collaboration between the film industries of India and Austria.
Officials said the discussions also touched upon broader economic cooperation, with both sides noting the potential of the India-European Union free trade agreement to expand trade and investment opportunities.
The engagements, they added, are expected to strengthen bilateral ties and deepen cooperation across strategic and economic sectors. (KNO)