What is Counter-Terrorism Strategy in India?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Intelligence Gathering: A robust intelligence network involving agencies like IB, RAW, and state intelligence bureaus to preempt terror plots and gather actionable intelligence.
- 2.
Law Enforcement: Strong legal framework (e.g., UAPA, NIA Act) and specialized agencies (NIA, ATS) for investigation, prosecution, and operational responses to terror incidents.
- 3.
Capacity Building: Continuous training and equipping of security forces, including police, paramilitary, and special forces, with modern tools, technology, and tactical expertise.
- 4.
Border Management: Enhanced surveillance and security along international borders to prevent infiltration of terrorists, smuggling of arms, explosives, and drugs.
- 5.
Cyber Security: Developing advanced capabilities to counter cyber-terrorism, monitor online radicalization, and prevent the misuse of technology by terror groups.
- 6.
Terrorism Financing: Comprehensive measures to disrupt financial flows to terror organizations, including asset freezing, anti-money laundering efforts, and international cooperation.
- 7.
International Cooperation: Active engagement with global partners, bilateral agreements, and participation in multilateral forums (e.g., UN, FATF, SCO, BRICS) to share intelligence and coordinate actions against cross-border terrorism.
- 8.
Community Engagement: Efforts to counter radicalization, promote social harmony, and involve local communities in preventing recruitment into terror groups and reporting suspicious activities.
- 9.
Technological Advancement: Adoption and integration of advanced technologies for surveillance, data analysis, forensic investigation, and operational efficiency in counter-terrorism efforts.
- 10.
Crisis Management: Development of protocols and specialized units (e.g., NSG) for rapid response to active terror situations and hostage crises.
Visual Insights
Pillars of India's Comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Strategy (2025)
This mind map illustrates the multi-faceted and comprehensive approach adopted by India to combat terrorism. It highlights the various operational, legal, technological, and international dimensions that constitute the nation's evolving counter-terrorism strategy, reflecting recent developments and priorities.
India's Counter-Terrorism Strategy
- ●Intelligence & Surveillance
- ●Law Enforcement & Legal Framework
- ●Technology Integration & Cyber Security
- ●Combating Terrorism Financing
- ●International Cooperation
Recent Developments
6 developmentsEmphasis on comprehensive analysis of terror incidents (domestic and global) from the past year to learn, adapt, and enhance capabilities, as stated by the Home Minister.
Leveraging technology for counter-terrorism, including the development of centralized databases (e.g., Organised Crime Network Database, Lost/Looted and Recovered Weapon Database) for better intelligence sharing.
Call for a common Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) structure across states for better coordination, uniform preparedness, and effective intelligence sharing.
Increased focus on combating terrorism financing, especially from external sources and through new methods like ransom and extortion.
Strengthening of cyber security infrastructure and capabilities to counter the evolving digital landscape of terrorism.
Regular high-level conferences (like the Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025) to review, update, and refine national counter-terrorism strategies.