Inaugural Address by HE Ambassador: India–Tunisia Dialogue Forum on Security and Counter-Terrorism

Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 18-02-2026

His / Her Excellency…………………………………………..

Dr. Badra Gaaloul, International Center for Strategic, Security and Military Studies (CIESSM)

Ambassador TCA Raghavan

Lt. Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd)

Excellencies, Distinguished speakers and panellists,

Heads and Representatives of Diplomatic Mission and International Organizations

Esteemed representatives of government, academia, civil society,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor and privilege for me to open today the India–Tunisia Dialogue Forum on Security and Counter-Terrorism.

I would like to sincerely thank the International Center for Strategic, Security and Military Studies (CIESSM), under the leadership of Dr. Badra Gaaloul, for co-hosting this forum in close cooperation with the Embassy of India.

I am also grateful to all our distinguished participants – experts, scholars, and representatives of institutions—who have gathered here today to share insights, experiences, and perspectives on one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tunisia and India, though geographically distant, share remarkably similar security challenges.  Both our countries have confronted the painful consequences of terrorism and violent extremism.  Both have witnessed how radical ideologies exploit social vulnerabilities, economic marginalization, and political uncertainty—particularly among youth.  And both understand that terrorism is not merely a national concern, but a transnational threat that undermines regional stability and global peace.

In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, Tunisia demonstrated resilience and determination in navigating a complex security environment. Tunisia has faced grave challenges, including the 2015 terrorist attacks at the Bardo National Museum, Sousse Beach, and the Presidential Guard bus in Tunis, which together claimed dozens of innocent lives, including many foreign tourists and security personnel. Its steadfast commitment to stability,  democracy and responsible counter terrorism policies reflects the resilience and resolve of its people. India has followed these developments with deep respect, recognizing Tunisia’s efforts to uphold democratic aspirations while confronting serious security threats.At the same time, India’s own experience — marked by cross-border terrorism, attacks against civilians, and evolving digital threats — has reinforced our conviction that no country can address these challenges alone. From the 2008 Mumbai attacks (26/11) to the 2017 Pulwama attack and the 2025 Pahalgam attack, India has repeatedly borne the human cost of terrorism.

India regards terrorism as a grave threat to humanity and the international order, standing firmly against all forms of terrorism, including those supported by States, with a zero-tolerance approach. Recognizing that terrorism anywhere undermines peace everywhere, India calls on the international community to ensure accountability, prevent impunity, and reject double standards.

As a constructive partner in global counterterrorism, India advocates multilateral, rules-based cooperation, stronger action against terror financing, disruption of broader terrorism ecosystems, and coordinated responses to the misuse of emerging technologies.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that terrorism cannot be justified on any grounds and that the global community must act with unity and consistency.

India has actively contributed to UN counter-terrorism efforts, including its 2022 chairmanship of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee and the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, while promoting the early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), victim protection, legal cooperation, and women’s participation in peace and security.

India believes counterterrorism must be comprehensive and balanced—combining security measures with prevention, community engagement, inclusive development, and efforts to counter radical narratives, empower youth, strengthen institutions, and foster trust between the state and society.

Whiel India takes a position of zero tolerance on terrorism, India’s principled support for the Palestinian cause remains a consistent element of its foreign policy. India was the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1974 and among the earliest to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. India has consistently supported Palestinian rights in multilateral fora, co-sponsoring and voting for key United Nations General Assembly resolutions on self-determination, peaceful settlement, and refugee rights.  Since October 2023, India has actively participated in regional and global discussions on Palestine and Gaza and will continue to advocate for a negotiated two-state solution, with both states living peacefully side by side.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

India and Tunisia have steadily advanced government-to-government cooperation on security and counter-terrorism since 2017, beginning with the institutionalization of a dedicated security dialogue mechanism and subsequent high-level exchanges in New Delhi and Tunis.  Both sides have emphasized information sharing, capacity building, and legal cooperation, including discussions on Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and a comprehensive agreement on Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Trafficking etc. 

At a time when global security architectures are under strain, platforms such as this dialogue contribute to a more inclusive and representative approach to international security governance. They reinforce the importance of South–South cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.

The forum’s focus on youth radicalization, technology, intelligence cooperation, and post-conflict reintegration is highly relevant, addressing practical issues with real human consequences. The exchange of experiences between Tunisia and India—two diverse societies of the Global South—can offer valuable lessons for our countries and others facing similar challenges.

I am confident that today’s discussions will be constructive, forward-looking, and lead to concrete outcomes that strengthen bilateral cooperation.

I am delighted to welcome Ambassador Dr. T. C. A. Raghavan as a distinguished speaker in our forum today, joining us online from India.

Ambassador Dr. TCA Raghavan, a seasoned diplomat and historian, having served as India’s High Commissioner to Singapore and Pakistan, as well as Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs, is also an award-winning author, renowned for his scholarly works and authoritative writings on Indian history and diplomacy.

From India, we will also be joined by three distinguished experts, including:

Lt. Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, who served for 40 years with distinction in the Indian Army, much of it in active counter-terrorism and conflict environments.

Dr. Abhinav Pandya, Founder/Director of USANAS Foundation and Dr. Soumya Awasthi, Research Fellow from Observer Research Foundation who also bring extensive knowledge and expertise in this field. 

I am confident that we will all greatly benefit from their valuable insights and perspectives derived from the Indian experience.

Let me conclude by reaffirming India’s commitment to working closely with Tunisia in promoting peace, stability, and resilience against extremism and terrorism.

I wish the forum every success and look forward to its valuable deliberations. 

I am thankful to Policy, Planning & Research Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India for its kind support.

I also once again express my sincere thanks to Dr. Badra Gaaloul and her team for excellent cooperation.

Thank you.

Merci Beacoup

Shukran!