New Delhi, June 20 -- India on Friday secured the vice presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the country in the global organisation responsible for setting standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

India has been a member of the FATF since 2010.

According to an official statement, Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal was elected as the FATF vice president at the conclusion of the body's plenary meeting at its headquarters in Paris. The vice president is chosen by the FATF Plenary from among its members and supports the president in guiding and overseeing the organisation's work.

Aggarwal, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer...