US DIPLOMAT CHRIS LU TO VISIT INDIA FOR UN COUNTER-TERRORISM MEETING

From October 27 to October 29, a top US diplomat to the UN will visit India to take part in a UN counterterrorism meeting and discuss crucial problems between New Delhi and Washington.

In Mumbai and Delhi, India will host a meeting of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee with the general theme of "Countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes." 

"Ambassador Chris Lu, U.S. Representative for UN Management and Reform, will travel to Mumbai and New Delhi, India from October 27-29 to address issues of counterterrorism, as well as the important relationship between the two countries," the US mission in United Nations said in a media note.

In a special meeting of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee focused on threats presented by emerging technologies, Ambassador Lu will represent the delegation while in New Delhi, it was announced.

"In Mumbai, Ambassador Lu will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the victims of the 26/11 terrorist attack. The Ambassador will also meet with graduate students from the Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership to hear their aspirations and discuss the essential role public service plays in democracy," the press noted added.

On October 28, in Mumbai, the current 15 and incoming 5 members of the UN Security Council will pay homage at the 26/11 memorial site before the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee meeting begins with a "Soft Opening Session and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism" at Hotel Taj Mahal Palace.

Along with senior UN Officials, member nations of the UNSC (15 existing and 5 incoming) and the External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will also lay a wreath at the 26/11 memorial site and hold a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims.

EAM and the UNSC President (FM of Gabon) will both read statements in remembrance of the victims. A few victims of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai will also speak to the attendees separately. The CTC will thereafter hold an informal briefing on the topic of "Combating Terrorism Financing in Local and Regional Contexts."

A high-level ministerial plenary session, which will feature message from the UNSG, the EAM, and other ministerial participants, will open the special meeting of the CTC in Delhi on October 29.

The UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee is presently chaired by India for 2022.