Working Arrangement signed for establishing cooperative relations between the law enforcement authorities of the Republic of India and Europol
On 21 March, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) signed a Working Arrangement in order to support the Member States of the European Union and the Republic of India in preventing and combating serious crime and terrorism.
This Working Arrangement not only brings together CBI and Europol but also links the law enforcement authorities in the Republic of India with law enforcement authorities of the Member States of the European Union, as well as third countries and organisations associated with Europol. It establishes clear mechanisms for communication, cooperation, and collaboration, ensuring that respective law enforcement agencies can seamlessly collaborate, share best practices, and support each other.
The cooperation may, in addition to the exchange of information, include the exchange of specialist knowledge, general situation reports, strategic analysis results, and training activities. The Working Arrangement also allows for the provision of advice and support in individual criminal investigations.
The Director of the CBI, Mr Praveen Sood, said:
This working arrangement is an outcome of years of negotiation between CBI and Europol to reach this common ground. This moment marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance cooperation between our agencies.” He further highlighted that “The international dispersal of crimes, criminals and proceeds of crimes have necessitated need for expeditious international cooperation. Criminal networks operate across borders, exploiting differences in jurisdictions and taking advantage of modern technologies to evade detection. The arrangement we are signing today reflects our shared commitment to address these challenges through enhanced cooperation and mutual assistance.
Europol’s Executive Director, Ms Catherine De Bolle, said:
In an increasingly globalised world, the security of the European Union starts abroad. Security challenges have become more complex and multidimensional. Nowadays there is a strong link between what happens outside of the EU’s borders and security within Europe. The Working Arrangement which Europol has signed today with the CBI underscores the interconnected nature of security threats and the necessity of international cooperation to effectively address them. By joining forces with India, Europol further solidifies the EU’s commitment to proactive and comprehensive security measures, recognising that safeguarding our citizens requires a coordinated effort on a global scale.
After entry into force of the Arrangement, this new level of cooperation will be important for tackling priority crime areas affecting both the European Union and the Republic of India.
