India, US discuss designation of terrorists

New Delhi, Dec 19 : India and the US on Tuesday discussed procedures for pursuing designations against terrorist groups and individuals through domestic and international mechanisms.

The discussion came up at the inaugural India-US Designations Dialogue that was held here on Monday and Tuesday.

An identical statement issued by both the governments said the dialogue was to discuss increasing bilateral cooperation on terrorism-related designations. 

"The establishment of this mechanism reflects shared Indian and US commitments to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats," it said.

"The Indian and US delegations exchanged information on procedures for pursuing designations against terrorist groups and individuals, through domestic and international mechanisms. They also discussed best practices for effective implementation of the designations."

It said Washington will host the second India-US Designations Dialogue in next year.

The statement assumes significance in the context of the US designating Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi -- the masterminds of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. 

The statement gave rise to speculation that the two countries could be looking at designating and issuing sanctions against more people involved in terror-related activities in the region.