India, Italy Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack at High-Level Meet
India and Italy reiterate condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack during high-level counter-terrorism meetings in New Delhi.
In a significant show of bilateral solidarity, India and Italy have reiterated their strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack during high-level strategic meetings held in New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism, organized crime, and the financing of terror activities.
Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Ties
The meetings, held in New Delhi on October 6-7, 2026, included the 6th Meeting of the India-Italy Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime, alongside the 2nd Meeting of the India-Italy Permanent Task Force on Countering Financing of Terrorism. The sessions were co-chaired by Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary (Counter Terrorism) at the Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Paolo Mari, Joint Secretary for G7-G20, Transnational Threats and Integrated Strategy at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
According to an official release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both nations expressed a unified stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, specifically highlighting the menace of cross-border terrorism. The two sides specifically recalled the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which occurred on April 22, 2025.
Addressing Emerging Global Threats
The discussions spanned a wide range of critical security areas, including:
- Organized Crime: Tackling complex networks involved in drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
- Technological Misuse: Reaffirming the need to prevent the use of new technologies, including information and financial technologies, for terrorist purposes.
- Terror Financing: Strengthening the India-Italy Joint Initiative on Countering Financing of Terrorism, which was launched by the Prime Ministers of both nations during the 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Enhancing collaboration through global bodies such as the United Nations, the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The Pahalgam Tragedy and India's Response
The condemnation of the Pahalgam attack serves as a reminder of the brutal violence that targeted civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. On April 22, 2025, 26 people were killed by terrorists who targeted individuals based on their religion.
Following the tragedy, India launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror infrastructure and training facilities in Pakistan and PoJK. The Indian military and security forces subsequently eliminated the three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack through Operation Mahadev, a coordinated effort by the Army, CRPF, and J-K Police.
Future Cooperation
Looking ahead, both India and Italy have agreed to hold the next round of the Joint Working Group and the Permanent Task Force meetings in Rome, Italy, on mutually convenient dates to continue their shared mission of global security.