New Delhi Hosts Historic EU-India Roundtable to Address Terrorist Exploitation of Drones

New Delhi is set to host the inaugural EU-India roundtable aimed at addressing the terrorist exploitation of drones. Scheduled for February 8, this day-long dialogue marks the first European Union (EU)-India Track 1.5 engagement focused on countering the utilization of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by extremists and non-state actors.

The roundtable aims to enhance understanding of the various current and emerging threats associated with consumer-grade UAS technology. Participants from both the EU and India will delve into discussions on best practices related to regulatory, tactical, and investigative responses to UAS threats in their respective regions.

The rapid development of commercial UAS in terms of technological sophistication and consumer accessibility has provided violent extremists with cost-effective and adaptable tools for purposes such as reconnaissance and violent attacks.

Part of an ongoing series of counterterrorism engagements between the EU and India, this roundtable builds upon previous activities within the EU project Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA). In the realm of counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism (CT-PVE), these activities have included successful training on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) risk management for Indian security practitioners, as well as moderated expert discussions on countering online extremism.

Terrorist organizations and individual extremists globally have swiftly embraced the use of 'off-the-shelf' drones due to their affordability and adaptability. The rising prevalence of this phenomenon, coupled with evolving technologies, underscores the need for continuous threat assessments and mitigation strategies. Sharing information with peers is deemed essential for crafting a collective response to safeguard security and defense.

The EU-India roundtable has been organized by the ESIWA project in collaboration with the National Security Guard of India and the EU Delegation to India.