The European Union (EU) and India are joining forces to address the growing threat of online radicalisation at a pivotal conference in New Delhi. Scheduled for August 21-22, this significant regional event will explore strategies to counter the misuse of digital platforms by extremists and terrorists.

The two-day EU-India Track 1.5 Conference, organised in collaboration with the Global Counter-Terrorism Council (GCTC) and supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, will bring together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, academics, and law enforcement officials from South Asia and Europe. Participants will include representatives from India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and various European nations.

This conference aims to strengthen counter-terrorism partnerships and foster dialogue in line with the EU's Indo-Pacific Strategy, which seeks deeper cooperation with partners facing common challenges. The event will focus on addressing the complex challenges at the intersection of technology and terrorism, while exploring collaborative opportunities between the EU, India, and the broader region.

Key outcomes of the conference are expected to include discussions on effective strategies to combat digital extremism and the identification of areas for enhanced cooperation. This gathering is part of a broader series of counterterrorism initiatives between the EU and India, building on previous activities under the EU's Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA) project. Topics previously addressed have included drone terrorism, cybersecurity, misinformation, and women’s security.

On the Indian side, the conference will feature high-level officials and experts from institutions such as the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Army, and police. European participation will include top security practitioners from EU institutions, member states like Austria, Italy, and Spain, as well as key agencies such as Frontex and Europol.

Hervé Delphin, the EU Ambassador to India, emphasised the importance of international collaboration in combating online radicalisation. “Terrorism transcends borders and has found a new domain in online digital spaces. Sharing knowledge and expertise among global partners is crucial to countering online radicalisation while balancing security and fundamental rights,” Delphin said.

KD Dewal, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) at the Ministry of External Affairs, reiterated India's commitment to combating terrorism. “India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism drives our commitment to collaborative efforts against terrorism and extremism. We must act decisively and avoid double standards in our approach,” Dewal stated.

The conference will also highlight the EU's proactive measures in regulating online spaces to prevent terrorist content. Key initiatives such as the Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation, the Digital Services Act (DSA), and the EU's new platform for illicit content, PERCI, will be discussed as part of the EU's strategy to enhance online security.

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