News Excerpt:
During the India-US Homeland Security Dialogue, both states discussed cooperation in internal security, intelligence sharing, pro-Khalistani elements, online radicalisation, cyber-attacks and digital frauds.

More about the news:

• The Homeland Security Dialogue was held in New Delhi.

• The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla while the US delegation was led by Kristie Canegallo of the US Department of Homeland Security.
• This was first held in 2011 and was re-established in 2021.
• The last India-US homeland security dialogue was held in January 2022. 

Key issues discussed in the dialogue:

• India and the US reviewed ongoing cooperation in counter-terrorism and security domains, which has been a key pillar of the India-US strategic partnership. 
• Both countries also discussed steps that can be taken to bolster bilateral efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism, drug trafficking, organised crime and ensure transportation security.
• The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the vibrant people-to-people ties “by taking steps to enable safe and legal migration, counter illegal migration, human trafficking, money laundering, cyber-crimes, and misuse of the cyber domain for illegal activities including terror-financing.
• Both sides also focused on curbing the rampant increase in narcotics trafficking, particularly of the drug Fentanyl.
• Earlier the US launched a US-China counter-narcotics working group to curb the production and trade of fentanyl.
• It is now working with other key partners to cut off access to illegal supplies of opioids for foreign drug cartels.
• Both countries reiterated their keen interest in consolidating the mutually beneficial collaboration between the respective law enforcement agencies through exchange of information, capacity building, technical assistance and regular meetings of sub-groups.
• A memorandum of cooperation on law enforcement training between the US Federal Law Enforcement Training Centre and India’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy was signed during the dialogue.

Issues of contention between the two states:

• The meeting was held against the backdrop of a row over the alleged assassination attempt on Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Panun who is a US citizen.
• The US has been demanding accountability in the matter. 
• India is also seeking action against the pro-Khalistan elements involved in the July 2023 attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco.
• The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified over 50 pro-Khalistan activists who had attacked the consulate in San Francisco. 
• India is also pushing for the extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana. 
• A US court had dismissed Rana's appeal against extradition.