MPS participates in EU-India Regional Conference on Combating Online Terrorism

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has actively participated in the "Combating Terrorist Content Online, EU-India Regional Track 1.5 Conference" held in New Delhi, India.

The Combating Terrorist Content Online, EU-India Regional Track 1.5 Conference was held in the neighboring country from August 21 – 22.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen actively participated in the conference.

The conference was a collaborative effort of the EU and the Global Counter-Terrorism Council (GCTC) as well as the neighboring country’s Ministry of External Affairs.

According to the police institution, the conference provided a platform of key stakeholders from South Asia and Europe.

Discussions revolved around addressing the pressing issue of online radicalization.

Having proceeded for two days, the conference revolved around current and emerging threats posed by the exploitation of online platforms by extremists and terrorists.

Further, the conference paved the path for experts, policymakers, academia, and law enforcement officials from India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Europe to engage in discussions regarding strategies for combating digital extremism.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Commissioner Naveen shed light on the significance of regional collaboration in tackling the complex challenges posed by the intersection of technology and terrorism.

Highlighting the commitment of the Maldivian government to work with international partners to enhance counter-terrorism efforts, Naveen noted that the police institution would cooperate particularly in efforts to enhance the digital sphere.

With an aim to strengthen partnerships with countries that share common security challenges, the conference was held under the ongoing counterterrorism engagements under the EU's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Participants of the conference explored strategies to counter violent extremism online.

They also engaged in discussions to identify areas for collaboration between EU, India and the wider South Asian region.

In addition to this, the conference built on previous initiatives under the EU project Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA).

The project has addressed several security challenges including drone terrorism, cybersecurity, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

The police institution revealed that they will continue to enhance strong measures at multiple levels to boost capabilities in countering terrorism and ensuring regional security and safety.