India gets key role in global anti-terror financing watchdog, Vivek Aggarwal elected VP

Vivek Aggarwal's election as FATF Vice President marks a major diplomatic win for India, strengthening its influence in shaping global efforts against money laundering, terror financing and financial crime.

In Short

• India gains key role in global fight against money laundering
• Aggarwal brings deep experience in financial intelligence
• His election shows global recognition of India's efforts

India has secured a significant position in the global fight against money laundering and terror financing, with senior bureaucrat Vivek Aggarwal being elected Vice President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the world's premier watchdog on illicit financial flows.

The appointment is being seen as a major diplomatic and strategic win for India, which has consistently advocated a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and the financing networks that support it.

Aggarwal, currently serving as a Secretary in the Government of India, brings extensive experience to the role. He previously headed India's delegation to the FATF and also served as Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND), the country's nodal agency for tracking suspicious financial transactions and combating money laundering.

Officials said his election reflects growing international recognition of India's efforts to strengthen the global framework against terror financing, money laundering and other forms of financial crime.

The FATF plays a critical role in setting international standards to combat illicit financial activities and evaluates countries' compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing measures. The body also maintains grey lists and black lists of jurisdictions that fail to meet global standards.

HOW FATF HELPS INDIA AGAINST CROSS-BORDER TERROR FINANCING

As Vice President, Aggarwal is expected to contribute to shaping FATF's policy agenda and strengthening international cooperation against financial crimes. His experience in intelligence gathering, financial investigations and multilateral negotiations is expected to support the organisation's efforts to safeguard the integrity of the global financial system.

India has repeatedly used international forums, including the FATF, to push for stronger action against cross-border terror financing and entities linked to terrorism. Aggarwal's elevation is likely to bolster New Delhi's voice in these discussions at a time when global concerns over illicit financial networks remain high.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in November 2025, had praised India’s asset recovery regime and cited the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as a model agency.

In its newly-published report “Asset Recovery Guidance and Best Practices”, the FATF recognised India among jurisdictions that have implemented robust legal and operational systems for effective confiscation and management of assets linked to crime and money laundering.

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