Indian Anti-Terror Experts to Assist France During Paris Olympics

India is poised to lend its expertise in counter-terrorism to France for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, scheduled for July 2024, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have concluded negotiations with their French counterparts, agreeing to dispatch a team of experts in counter-terrorism and homeland security to Paris before the event.

Officials noted that India's participation will facilitate the exchange of best practices in managing terrorism and extremism, which are increasingly problematic in Europe, especially in light of significant events planned in Paris this year. India will join a global coalition of countries with similar interests in this initiative.

The relationship between India and France has been robust since they established diplomatic ties in 1947, which was elevated to a strategic partnership in 1998. Last year marked the 25th anniversary of this enhanced relationship, which spans defense, security, space, and civil nuclear cooperation, as per the officials.

Officials from North Block reported, “India has unearthed several Islamic State (IS) and Al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) modules within its borders, which have international connections. The elite National Security Guards, along with other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), have effectively managed G-20 events in the national capital.” Since 2020, France has experienced several terrorist incidents, including the 'Paris stabbing attack' in September and the beheading of Samuel Paty in October of the same year.

Following the Pulwama attack in February 2019, France has stood with India, condemning terrorism and supporting the international designation of the Pakistan-based 'global terrorist' Hafiz Saeed, which was followed by his listing at the UN, an official stated. Another official mentioned, “France has also backed India in thwarting Pakistan’s attempts to falsely list innocent Indian citizens under the UNSC 1267 sanctions committee based on unfounded allegations.”