Press Releases 2005

15 Indians Graduate in U.S.-Sponsored Counter-Explosives Course

December 21, 2005

NEW DELHI -- Fifteen Indian bomb technicians representing four separate law enforcement organizations today graduated from the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Explosive Incident Countermeasures Course, held at the National Security Guard (NSG) in Manesar, Haryana.

 During the November 3 to December 21, 2005 course, the technicians learned the assessment, neutralization, and safe disposition of manufactured and improvised explosive/incendiary devices and materials, enabling participants to identify and evaluate explosive devices and to implement a correct course of action to neutralize/render safe improvised explosive devices.

 As part of the graduation ceremony, U.S. Chargé Robert O. Blake presented Indian officials with USD 250,000 of equipment used for bomb disposal.  The course is one of ten courses presented to the Government of India in 2005 through the State Department's Anti-terrorism Assistance Program (ATA).  Since 1995, Indian law enforcement officers have participated in 35 ATA courses (900 Indian officers participating), representing approximately USD10 million in training (both in the U.S. and in India) and equipment transfers.

 The ATA Program is viewed by India and the United States as a concrete example of strong bilateral ties and a partnership in the fight against terrorism.