India and Russia Unite in Call for Comprehensive Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy

In a significant diplomatic development, India and Russia have issued a joint call for an "uncompromising" global fight against terrorism, emphasizing the need to eliminate hidden agendas and double standards in international counter-terrorism efforts. The declaration emerged from the 23rd India-Russia annual summit held in New Delhi on December 5, 2025.

Strategic Partnership Against Terror Threats

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned recent terror attacks, specifically referencing incidents in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and Moscow's Crocus City Hall. Modi characterized terrorism as "a direct attack on the values of humanity," underlining the universal nature of the threat.

"India and Russia have long cooperated shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against terrorism. The root of all these incidents is the same," Modi stated during the summit proceedings.

Comprehensive Anti-Terror Framework

The joint statement outlined several key areas for enhanced cooperation:

Targeted Operations: Both nations committed to measures against international terrorist groups, including ISIS, ISKP (Islamic State - Khorasan Province), and their affiliates operating from the Afghan-Pakistan border region.

Financial Networks: The leaders emphasized the importance of eliminating terrorist financing channels and disrupting their connections with transnational crime networks.

Border Security: Special attention was given to halting cross-border movement of terrorists and preventing the establishment of safe havens.

Technology and Modern Threats

The summit addressed emerging challenges in counter-terrorism, particularly the exploitation of new technologies by terrorist organizations. The leaders referenced the Delhi Declaration from October 2022, which focused on preventing terrorist misuse of information and communications technology, including payment systems, social media platforms, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

"Both sides expressed their readiness to develop further cooperation with a special focus on preventing radicalization and the spread of extremist ideology in the online space," the joint statement noted.

Afghanistan: A Critical Focus

The India-Russia partnership extends to coordinated efforts regarding Afghanistan, with both nations emphasizing the importance of the Moscow Format meetings. They welcomed counter-terrorism measures against ISIS and ISKP while stressing the need for comprehensive humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

International Legal Framework

The summit reinforced commitment to existing international mechanisms, calling for firm implementation of UN Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Both leaders advocated for the expeditious finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.

This diplomatic initiative represents a significant step toward building a more coordinated international response to terrorism, emphasizing the need for sustained cooperation based on international law and shared humanitarian values.