Terrorism in India: Evolving Threats, Institutions, and Response
India has faced state-sponsored proxy wars, ideological groups, and lone-actor violence. Threats now range from cross-border infiltration and drones to online radicalisation and narco-terror finance. This note outlines how the threat has evolved, key institutions (NIA, NSG, MAC), laws (UAPA), and current focus areas including coastal security, drone defence, and terror finance control.
Threat Evolution
- 1980s–90s: State-sponsored militancy in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir; training and infiltration backed by Pakistan.
- 2000s: Indian Mujahideen and affiliated modules—serial blasts in cities; recruitment via local radicalisation.
- Post-2010: Reduced large-cell attacks; emergence of lone actors/small modules influenced by global jihadist propaganda; greater use of encrypted apps.
- Current: Drone drops (arms, narcotics) on western border, cross-border terror launchpads, narco-terror links, and online self-radicalisation.
Institutional Architecture
- NIA: Central investigation agency for terror offences; can take over inter-state/major cases; empowered under NIA Act.
- NSG: Counter-terror strike force; hubs in major metros post-26/11 for faster response.
- Multi Agency Centre (MAC): 24x7 intelligence sharing across agencies; subsidiary MACs in states.
- State ATS/SOGs: Specialised state units; critical for local intelligence and first response.
- Coastal security: Navy, Coast Guard, marine police coordination; coastal radar chain and AIS to monitor small boats; fishing community sensitisation.
Legal and Policy Tools
- UAPA: Allows designation of individuals and organisations as terrorists; extended timelines for investigation; special courts; stringent bail.
- Ujjwala/Passport/visa vigilance: Screening travellers in sensitive zones; watchlists.
- Drone rules and anti-drone measures: Enabling detection, jamming, and neutralisation near sensitive borders/sites.
- Financial measures: PMLA, RBI/SEBI KYC/AML norms, NPO oversight; FATF compliance to cut terror finance channels.
Coastal and Urban Security Post-26/11
- Coastal radar chain, AIS for vessels, marine police stations, and joint ops centres enhance maritime vigilance.
- Port and critical infrastructure security tightened; frequent drills with NSG/Coast Guard/Navy.
- Urban CT: Quick Response Teams (QRTs), CCTV networks, metro security, and unified command drills in metros.
Terror Finance and Crime Nexus
- Hawala networks, counterfeit currency (reduced after currency reforms but monitored), narcotics trade (Golden Crescent), and extortion feed groups.
- Front NGOs/charities used to move funds; oversight and transparency in foreign/domestic donations are enforced.
- Crypto and informal value transfer are emerging risks; VASP reporting under PMLA and blockchain analytics are responses.
Border and Coastal Challenges
- Cross-border infiltration and launchpads in Pakistan-occupied areas; LoC ceasefire (2021) lowered firing but not eliminated infiltration attempts.
- Drones dropping weapons/narcotics across the western border; counter-drone grids and community reporting are being scaled.
- Coastal gaps exposed by 26/11 addressed via marine police, radars, and identification systems; continuous training and audits are needed.
Jammu & Kashmir Context
Security operations, intelligence grid, and outreach have reduced high-profile attacks, though sporadic encounters and targeted killings occur. Infiltration attempts persist; overground worker networks and hybrid militants are a focus. Development, elections, and investment initiatives aim to consolidate stability alongside strong counter-infiltration and counter-terror operations.
Role of States and Community
- State police/ATS are first responders; local intelligence and community outreach detect early signs.
- Community policing, mosque/temple committees, youth engagement, and counselling programmes help prevent radicalisation.
- Victim support and witness protection improve willingness to testify and counter intimidation.
Radicalisation and Online Space
- Encrypted messaging and social media propaganda used for recruitment and lone-wolf inspiration.
- Counter-radicalisation: community outreach, credible counter-narratives, de-radicalisation programmes in some states, and monitoring of extremist content with platform cooperation.
- Protecting civil liberties while acting against incitement is a key balance; courts scrutinise misuse.
Preparedness and Capability Gaps
- Need for consistent training, equipment, and forensic capacity at state police levels; bomb squads and cyber forensics are unevenly distributed.
- Inter-agency drills (NSG–state police), crisis tabletop exercises, and clear SOPs reduce response time.
- Judicial capacity: special courts and timely trials to avoid prolonged detention without resolution.
International Cooperation
- Mutual legal assistance, extradition, and intelligence sharing with partners; designation of global terrorists at UN 1267 (sometimes blocked, requiring sustained diplomacy).
- Participation in FATF/APG, INTERPOL notices, and joint working groups on counter-terror with key partners.
Legal Process and Safeguards
- Fast and fair trials under special courts reduce prolonged detention concerns.
- Evidence standards (digital forensics, chain of custody) critical for convictions.
- Oversight bodies and judiciary monitor misuse of strong laws; balance between security and rights must be maintained to retain legitimacy.
Metrics to Track
- Trends in terror incidents, drone drops intercepted, and infiltration attempts foiled.
- Speed and quality of investigations/convictions; reduction in pre-trial delays.
- Community reporting and participation in coastal/border vigilance programmes.
- Flow of funds disrupted (attachments, STR-driven investigations), and compliance status with FATF standards.
Takeaway: Terror threats mutate—from organised cross-border modules to lone actors and tech-enabled tactics. India’s response hinges on strong intel-sharing, capable state units, swift investigation/prosecution, secured borders/coasts, and cutting finance—while keeping operations lawful and community trust intact.