The Union Home Minister’s announcement of an impending “National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy” marks a pivotal moment in India’s fight against terrorism. The critical message is to safeguard the country; the Central and State Governments, along with various security forces, must work in seamless coordination. This collaborative approach will be the cornerstone of the upcoming policy, which aims to curb terrorism, dismantle terror networks, and safeguard citizens. As in the last decade the strides have been made in reducing violence in areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Naxal-affected regions, and the Northeastern states, the emphasis on a unified, technology-driven approach in this new policy holds significant promise.
The new policy seeks to empower law enforcement agencies across the board, creating a structure where State and Central agencies work in harmony. HM highlighted the Government’s plans to create a model Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and a model Special Task Force (STF) for all states and Union Territories. Such initiatives not only bring consistency but also allow for rapid, standardised responses in times of crisis. Furthermore, the policy will leverage young officers, enabling them with the necessary resources and training to handle emerging threats.
Factually, a critical development has been the reduction in terrorists’ “shelf life”-from two years to mere days-indicating an improvement in intelligence and operational capabilities. This success is a testament to India’s progress in counterterrorism efforts since 2014 when the administration adopted a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism. Terror incidents have seen a 70% decline compared to the previous decade, a significant achievement that strengthens public confidence in the Government’s efforts.
The new counter-terrorism strategy is anticipated to employ a 25-point integrated plan to combat the financing of terrorism, covering both jihadi terror and left-wing extremism. With this new plan, the Government aims to prevent terrorists from accessing resources. The expansion of the Multi Agency Centre and its enhanced SOPs is a crucial step. By widening its scope, MAC is now poised to track cyber threats, narco-terrorism, and radicalised hotspots. In the digital age, terrorism has evolved beyond physical borders. Technology has emerged as a potent weapon for both terrorists and counter-terrorism units. Recognising this, equipping security forces with advanced technology and training young officers to handle new-age challenges is also important. With cyber-terrorism rising as a threat globally, these technological advancements are critical. Threats on the internet, whether through the dark web or encrypted messaging, allow terror groups to bypass traditional monitoring. Thus, a concerted technological strategy will form a crucial part of India’s future defence framework.
The UAPA has been a cornerstone in anti-terrorism efforts, empowering agencies to investigate, prosecute, and convict with substantial efficacy. The NIA’s remarkable conviction rate of 95% is a reflection of the law’s strength and the agency’s meticulous work. Additionally, recent amendments to the NIA Act and UAPA have extended jurisdiction, granting the NIA authority to investigate terror-related activities beyond India’s borders and empowering authorities to confiscate assets and label entities as terrorist organizations. Terrorism does not operate in isolation. With connections that span across borders, terror networks often involve coordination with international actors. The new policy is expected to prioritise international cooperation, develop mechanisms to work with global agencies, share intelligence, and jointly investigate cross-border terrorism. This also presents India with the opportunity to address global forums on the universal threat of terrorism, advocating for policies and practices that prevent nations from becoming breeding grounds for extremist ideologies.
While recent years have seen notable successes, terrorism continues to pose a serious threat. Along with sophisticated counter-terrorism strategies, there is an urgent need to enhance grassroots-level defence mechanisms, ensuring that even the most remote areas are equipped and prepared to face any threats. In the face of a growing and ever-changing threat landscape, a unified strategy is essential. The National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy promises to be a vital tool in India’s fight against terrorism.
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