India to host conference on combating terror finance next week

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah (File Photo)


India will host the third global ministerial ‘No Money for Terror’ conference on 18-19 November in New Delhi.

The hosting of the conference reflects on the importance being given by the Modi government to the issue of international terrorism as well as its zero-tolerance policy against the menace.

Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah, who will lead the Indian delegation at the conference, will convey India’s determination to combat terrorism as well as its support systems.

The conference aims to carry forward the discussions on combating terror financing held by the international community in the previous two conferences in Paris (2018) and Melbourne (2019).

It also intends to include discussions on technical, legal, regulatory, and cooperation aspects of all facets of terrorism financing. It attempts to also set the pace for other high-level official and political deliberations, focused on countering terrorist financing.

Globally, countries have been affected by terrorism and militancy for several years. The pattern of violence differs in most theatres but is largely engendered by a tumultuous geo-political environment, coupled with prolonged armed sectarian conflicts. Such conflicts often lead to poor governance, political instability, economic deprivation, and large ungoverned spaces. The involvement of a compliant State often exacerbates terrorism, especially it’s financing.

India has suffered several forms of terrorism and its financing over more than three decades. Hence, it understands the pain and trauma of similarly impacted nations. In order to display solidarity with peace-loving nations and to help create a bridge for sustained cooperation on countering terrorist financing, India was host to two global events in October – the annual General Assembly of the Interpol in Delhi and a special session of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee in Mumbai and Delhi. The forthcoming conference will further India’s efforts to build understanding and cooperation among nations.

Discussions at the conference will be focused on global trends in terrorism and terrorist financing, the use of formal and informal channels of funds for terrorism, emerging technologies and terrorist financing, and the desire for international cooperation to address related challenges. The conference intends to bring together representatives of 75 countries and international bodies for extended deliberations over two days.