India courts US in FATF push, eyes Pakistan’s return to grey list

Vikram Misri

During his visit to Washington, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri explored ways to strengthen economic and financial ties with the United States. This included discussions on collaboration within international financial institutions and coordination regarding the upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) processes, according to the Indian government.

This dialogue is particularly significant given India's ongoing efforts to urge the FATF to place Pakistan back on its grey list due to its alleged involvement in terror financing, a topic Misri addressed with Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender.

Misri's trip followed Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US on February 13, where the two nations launched the India-US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) initiative for the 21st Century.

In meetings with Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg and Under Secretary for Policy Elbridge Colby, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a strong and forward-looking defense partnership.

The discussions centered on co-production and co-development initiatives, ongoing joint military exercises, frameworks for logistics and information-sharing, and enhancing interoperability between the armed forces. During a luncheon with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, they reviewed the comprehensive bilateral agenda.

Additionally, India and the US discussed the progress of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, and the importance of streamlining ITAR and export control regulations.