India and the United States Working Together in the Fight Against Terrorism

NEW DELHI: “The U.S. and India are close partners in the fight against terrorism,” stated a U.S. Embassy security officer at the recent graduation of 22 Indian police tactical officers and supervisors following the conclusion of a U.S. course on antiterrorism on November 1.

As part of a partnership with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy New Delhi sponsored a five-week crisis response course.  The session was conducted by instructors from the Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program in Virginia.

Through this course, Indian police participants developed familiarity with U.S. counter-terrorism techniques including firearms and crisis management.  Each day participants focused on applying the skills and tactics learned to the local environment in India.  "This was a very physically demanding training program," noted a U.S. trainer, who added: "This training will significantly enable course participants from Indian police to counter terror attacks."  The U.S. Embassy Spokesperson noted: “The  real added value of this program happens when the trainees return to India and train other police.”