India has strengthened its counter-terrorism framework over the last 12 years through legal reforms, institutional development, intelligence sharing and decisive security operations. The approach has shifted from reacting to terrorist attacks to preventing threats and dismantling terror networks.
Why in the News?
Three CRPF personnel were injured after motorcycle-borne terrorists opened fire at a checkpoint in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on November 11, 2026.
- The attack took place around 2:15 p.m.
- The injured personnel were shifted to a nearby hospital in Anantnag.
- Additional forces were deployed, and a search operation was launched to track the attackers.
A Decade of Concrete Decisions and Actions
Over the last 12 years, India has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism. The focus has shifted from responding to attacks to dismantling the wider terror ecosystem. The strategy is based on three broad outcomes:
- Vishwas: Restoring public confidence through decisive action.
- Vikas: Building a strong legal and institutional security framework.
- Jan-Kalyan: Creating a safe environment for development and public welfare.
The Challenge Landscape
In 2014, India faced several internal security challenges. The period from 2004 to 2014 recorded 7,217 terrorist incidents. These challenges required major reforms in India's security institutions, laws, and operational strategy. Major challenges included:
- Infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC) and support to terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
- Stone-pelting incidents averaged around 2,654 per year between 2010 and 2014.
- Terror networks used hawala channels and other illegal financial routes.
- Terror groups increasingly used social media, encrypted platforms and cryptocurrencies for propaganda, recruitment and funding.
- The emergence of ISIS created new risks of recruitment and self-radicalised attacks.
India’s Counter-Terror Policy: A New Era of Zero Tolerance
These efforts were formally consolidated through PRAHAAR – India's National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy (2026). It focuses on prevention, swift response, coordination among government agencies, human rights-based processes, and international cooperation. India's counter-terrorism strategy is developed around four major pillars:
- Legislative empowerment
- Strengthening security institutions
- Operations against cross-border terrorism
- International cooperation and diplomacy
Pillar 1: Legislative Empowerment
Strong laws are essential to investigate and punish terrorist activities. India introduced several legal reforms to strengthen its anti-terror framework. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019
- Empowered the Central Government to designate individuals as terrorists, along with organisations.
- Allowed NIA officers of the rank of Inspector and above to investigate terrorism cases.
- Empowered the NIA Director-General to approve the seizure or attachment of property linked to terrorism.
- Expanded the NIA's jurisdiction to cover offences such as human trafficking, counterfeit currency and cyberterrorism.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) Amendment Act, 2019
- Expanded the NIA's jurisdiction to investigate terror-related offences committed outside India against Indian interests.
- Increased its authority to investigate offences such as cyberterrorism and human trafficking.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
- Strengthened the ability of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to trace, freeze and confiscate assets linked to terrorist financing.
- Helped target hawala networks and illegal financial channels.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
- Replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and came into force on 1 July 2024.
- For the first time, terrorism and organised crime were specifically defined under India's criminal law.
- Provides stringent punishment for terrorist acts, including death penalty or life imprisonment where such acts result in death.
Pillar 2: Strengthening Security Institutions
India has strengthened its investigative and intelligence institutions to improve threat detection and coordination. National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Established under the NIA Act, 2008, after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
- Its budget increased from ₹91.32 crore in 2014–15 to ₹394.66 crore in 2024–25.
- Expanded its presence through 21 branch offices.
- Established special NIA courts to speed up trials.
- Recorded a conviction rate of 92.70%.
Multi-Agency Centre (MAC)
- Functions under the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
- Connects 28 central and state agencies for real-time intelligence sharing.
- Its network has been strengthened with modern technology and AI-based analytical tools.
Other Important Initiatives
- Cyber Multi-Agency Centre (CyMAC): Established in January 2025 to coordinate responses to cyber threats and cyber espionage.
- National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): Connects government databases to help security agencies access information related to immigration, banking, telecom and travel.
- Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS): Enables information sharing on criminals and terror suspects across States. Its upgraded version, CCTNS 2.0, connects 17,798 police stations.
Pillar 3: Operations Against Cross-Border Terrorism
India has adopted a more proactive and deterrence-based approach towards cross-border terrorism. These operations reflected India's shift towards swift and decisive responses to cross-border terrorism. Important operations include:
Surgical Strikes (2016)
- Conducted on 29 September 2016 after the Uri terrorist attack.
- The Indian Army targeted terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC).
Balakot Airstrike (2019)
- Conducted on 26 February 2019 after the Pulwama terrorist attack.
- Targeted a Jaish-e-Mohammed training facility in Balakot, Pakistan.
Operation Sindoor (2025)
- Launched on 7 May 2025 after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
- Targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Pillar 4: International Cooperation and Diplomacy
India has also strengthened international cooperation to counter terrorist financing, recruitment and cross-border networks.
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF): India has used the platform to push for stronger global action against money laundering and terrorist financing.
- No Money for Terror Conference: India hosted the third ministerial conference in New Delhi on 18–19 November 2022 to strengthen global cooperation against terror financing.
- Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT): India proposed the convention at the UN General Assembly in November 1996 and continues to seek its adoption.
- Masood Azhar: The UN Security Council designated JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in May 2019.
- Tahawwur Rana: He was extradited from the United States to India in April 2025 in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
- BHARATPOL: Launched on 7 January 2025, it connects the CBI with law enforcement agencies across India for cooperation through INTERPOL.
Delhi Declaration, 2022
The declaration was adopted on 29 October 2022 during India's chairmanship of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee. It focused on three major threats:
- Misuse of drones and unmanned aerial systems.
- Use of social media and digital technologies for terrorist activities.
- Terror financing through digital channels.
Outcomes of 12 Years of Reform
India's counter-terrorism measures have contributed to a decline in terrorist incidents and casualties, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Improvement in Security Indicators in Jammu and Kashmir
| Indicator | Earlier Period | Later Period |
| Terrorist incidents | 7,217 (2004–14) | 2,242 (2014–24) |
| Terrorist-initiated incidents | 228 (2018) | 12 (2025) |
| Civilian casualties | 55 (2018) | 28 (2025) |
| Security force fatalities | 91 (2018) | 16 (2025) |
Other important developments include:
- Stone-pelting incidents have remained near zero since 2022.
- Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 2.3 crore tourist arrivals in 2024.
- More than 41,000 government jobs were created between 2019 and May 2026.
- Investment of nearly ₹18,000 crore was received between 2016–17 and 2025–26.
Reduction of Terrorist Activity in the Hinterland
India has also strengthened its ability to prevent terrorist attacks outside Jammu and Kashmir. This reflects a shift from reactive action to preventive security measures.
- Better intelligence sharing has improved early detection of threats.
- Technology-based surveillance and coordinated operations have helped disrupt terror plots.
- The NIA and State intelligence agencies have foiled several ISIS-inspired plots.
Conclusion
India's counter-terrorism strategy has evolved through legal reforms, stronger institutions, modern technology, military operations and international cooperation. However, emerging threats such as cyberterrorism, drone-based attacks and online radicalisation require continuous improvement in security capabilities.