India and Germany on Monday entered into MoUs on security cooperation including tackling Sikh extremists in Germany and on posting sky marshals to prevent hijacking attempts.
This apart, talks are going on Mutual legal Assistance Treaty (MlAT) on criminal cases with regard to the death penalty in India. The MoU on “carriage of in-flight security officers within a short timeframe” was signed by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and his German counterpart Gunter Krings.
Rijiju also drew attention of Krings about the presence and activities of individuals and organisations that are linked to extremist and terrorist elements operating in India, particularly the Sikh extremists.
“Such extremists elements based in Germany often utilise their places of religious worship to support extremist organisations in India by propaganda and financing. The flag of Khalistan and photographs of terrorists bearing weapons are openly displayed in many Sikh religious places in Germany to incite hatred and anger,” the Indian Minister told Krings.
The MoU between India and Germany on security cooperation proposes to intensify cooperation in countering terrorism in all its form, including recruitment, financing, terrorist propaganda, training and terrorists movements. The agreement also covers areas of border protection, aviation security, cyber crime, illegal migration and counterfeit currency.
Under the umbrella of the MoU, there will be exchange of information and both the sides will also share their technological expertise and experience in tackling the issues mentioned.
On MlAT, Rijiju told Krings: “Its (MlAT) importance has been underscored by our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and Chancellor Angela Merkel. The negotiations have not been progressing on account of differences on the issue of ‘death penalty. I am aware that this matter is handled by your Ministry of Justice, however, we seek your active support so that the treaty is concluded at an early date.”