Deal cautiously with China, Iran and Afghan: Centre to State Govts

The Union Home Ministry has cautioned State Governments against directly dealing with agencies of some “countries of concern” like China, Iran and Afghanistan on matters of internal security saying any such communication must be routed through it for the sake of national security. In a recent communication to all chief secretaries, the Ministry of Home Affairs said state police forces should be directed “not to facilitate or entertain” any such requests from organisations or agencies from countries of concern without prior consultation with it.

“It has come to the notice of the Ministry of home affairs that some foreign organisations/ agencies from countries of concern are extending invitations for mutual cooperation, training, joint exercise, exchange of views etc, directly to State/ Union territory police without routing such requests through ministry of home affairs,” it said.

The Ministry said while it appreciated that law enforcement related cooperation at international level is desirable, a cautious and calibrated approach is to be adopted while dealing with foreign organisations or agencies, especially from countries of concern, in the interest of national security.