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India has defended the Financial Action Task Force at a UN side event, saying attempts to question its credibility stem from fear of scrutiny rather than genuine concerns. Indian envoy Parvathaneni Harish urged countries to stop sheltering terror networks and strengthen compliance with global anti-money laundering norms, while highlighting evolving risks from digital terror financing.

India has strongly defended the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), saying attempts to question the global watchdog's credibility are often driven by a fear of scrutiny rather than genuine concerns over its functioning. In a pointed message widely seen as aimed at Pakistan, India also called on countries to stop allowing their territory and financial systems to be misused for terrorism.

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, made the remarks while speaking at a side event during the 2026 Counter-Terrorism Week on Monday. The event, titled Joining Forces to Counter Terrorism Financing in the Context of Evolving Threats and Emerging Technologies, was jointly organised by the Permanent Missions of India and France to the UN, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), and the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT).

A strong message on accountability

Calling the FATF an indispensable pillar of the global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework, Harish said its work is technical, evidence-based and based on internationally accepted standards. He said countries unhappy with FATF assessments should address the shortcomings identified instead of attempting to politicise the issue in international forums.