Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain.

Manifestation of Terrorism in India

• Cross-border & State-sponsored terrorism: External actors use proxy groups to conduct asymmetric attacks against India, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Example: Pahalgam attack (2025) demonstrated the continuing threat of targeted terrorist violence against civilians.
  • Example: Reasi attack (2024) targeted pilgrims and adversely affected public confidence and tourism.

• Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): Maoist groups exploit governance deficits, tribal alienation and socio-economic grievances to sustain armed insurgency in parts of central India.
  • Example: Bijapur attack (2025), in which Naxalites killed security personnel and a civilian driver, highlighted the continuing tactical threat.

• Separatist & insurgent movements: Ethnic, political and historical grievances have fuelled insurgencies in parts of the Northeast, involving groups such as ULFA and NSCN-IM.

• Narco-terrorism: Terrorist and insurgent groups exploit illicit drug trafficking to generate funds for arms procurement and violent activities.
  • Example: India's proximity to the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle increases its vulnerability to drug-terror networks.

• Technology-enabled terrorism: Terrorist organisations increasingly exploit drones, social media, encrypted platforms and cryptocurrencies for infiltration, recruitment, propaganda and financing.
  • Example: 2021 Jammu drone attack demonstrated the use of drones for terrorist attacks.
  • Example: Cyber attacks on Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) highlight the emerging non-kinetic dimension of terrorism.

• Hybrid and lone-wolf terrorism: Individuals with limited or no prior criminal records can be radicalised online and activated for isolated attacks, making conventional intelligence-based detection more difficult.

Counter-Measures Adopted by the State

• Institutional architecture: India has developed specialised institutions for investigation, intelligence and coordinated counter-terrorism.
  • NIA: Investigates and prosecutes terrorism-related offences under the NIA Act, 2008.
  • MAC: Facilitates intelligence sharing and coordination among Central and State agencies.
  • NATGRID: Enables integrated analysis of multiple databases to support intelligence and security investigations.
  • FIU-IND: Tracks suspicious financial transactions to disrupt terror financing.

• Legal framework: The UAPA provides the principal legal framework for dealing with unlawful and terrorist activities.
  • Example: The 2019 amendment enabled the government to designate individuals as terrorists and strengthened investigative powers.

• Border and operational security: India has strengthened border surveillance, coastal security, intelligence-led operations and counter-infiltration mechanisms to prevent terrorist movement and arms smuggling.

• Counter-drone and technological capabilities: Security agencies increasingly deploy drone detection, surveillance systems, cyber-security tools and intelligence databases against emerging threats.

• Terror-financing disruption: Financial intelligence, PMLA-based controls, FATF-aligned mechanisms and action against illicit networks are used to disrupt the flow of funds to terrorist organisations.

• Counter-LWE strategy: The SAMADHAN approach combines intelligence, technology, security operations and development to address the multiple dimensions of Left-Wing Extremism.

• Development and community engagement: Security measures are complemented by development, rehabilitation, civic action and community participation to address conditions that facilitate radicalisation and insurgency.
  • Example: Operation Sadbhavna focuses on improving public trust and strengthening civil-military engagement in affected areas.

• Intelligence fusion: Strengthen real-time information sharing between Central, State and local agencies.
• Terror–crime nexus: Disrupt the link between terrorism, organised crime, narcotics and illicit finance.
• Digital prevention: Develop stronger capabilities for online radicalisation detection and counter-narratives while protecting constitutional freedoms.
• Whole-of-society approach: Combine security, development, rehabilitation and community participation rather than relying only on coercive measures.

• Strengthen intelligence fusion between Central and State agencies.
• Disrupt the terror–organised crime–narco-finance nexus.
• Improve online counter-radicalisation while protecting constitutional freedoms.
• Combine security measures with development, dialogue and community participation.