US-Indian Counter-terrorism experts share insights

Neelam Mathews Oct 6, 2011

Delegates from the U.S, India and Australia concluded a one-week subject matter expert exchange in Los Angeles, California. 

During the program, that ended on  September 30, the Indian delegates shared their extensive insights on lessons learned and challenges encountered during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. 

“There were many aspects of the 26/11 attacks that were unique, presenting unprecedented new challenges. Learning first-hand about the Indian experience during these horrific attacks was an extremely beneficial exercise, and will allow for better strategic contingency planning by U.S. experts,” said the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Attaché, Daniel C. Clegg.

The exchange was a joint effort involving senior Indian and Australian officials and the U.S. FBI, U.S. Department of Defense, Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. It focused on police planning and tactical responses to critical and violent situations. 

Topics discussed during the week included best practices for command post setup, interagency coordination, hostage negotiations, first-response strategies for encounters with active shooters, improvised explosive and post-blast investigations, and maintaining cooperative working relationships with the media during times of crisis. 

Exchanges such as this are an example of several on-going areas of cooperation and partnership between the U.S. and India in counterterrorism and policing. Recently, a two week training was held with the participation of the Rajasthan Police in Jaipur.