Terrorism in India: Factors Responsible & Challenges

Table of contents

The recent Pahalgam terror attack harshly underscores that terrorism remains one of India’s gravest internal security threats, despite notable post-2019 gains in counter-terrorism efforts and regional stabilisation in Kashmir.
Terror groups, adapting with evolving tactics like cyber warfare, drone infiltrations, and lone-wolf attacks, demand constant vigilance, strategic foresight, and global cooperation. India’s multi-faceted response, which combines diplomatic measures, technological modernisation, grassroots outreach, and legal reforms, is crucial.

Pahalgam Terror Attack & India’s Strategic Response

Measure	Significance
Indus Waters Treaty Suspension	Using water diplomacy to fight terror sponsorship.
Closure of Attari-Wagah Border	Severing people-to-people and trade routes to build pressure.
SAARC Visa Cancelled for Pakistan	Tightening travel restrictions to monitor suspected operatives.
Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors	Signalling a strong diplomatic rebuke.
Diplomatic Staff Reduction	Downsize to reduce espionage risks and isolate Pakistan.

Key Factors Contributing to Terrorism in India

Cross-Border Terrorism: Pakistan-backed groups like LeT and JeM continue to infiltrate via Kashmir, as seen in the Pulwama (2019) and Pahalgam (2025) attacks targeting civilians.
Radicalisation of Locals: Online platforms like Telegram and YouTube are increasingly used to radicalise youth in J&K and the Northeast, fueling local recruitment into terror outfits.
Cyber Terrorism: India ranked 2^nd globally in cyberattacks in 2024, with 95 entities targeted by terror-linked hackers attacking critical infrastructure.
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): Despite a decline, LWE remains active in tribal belts, with incidents like the Maharashtra blast 2019 killing multiple commandos.
Northeast Insurgency: Ethnic insurgencies like the Kuki-Meitei conflict (2023–24) thrive due to weak border control and arms inflow from across Myanmar and China.
Crime-Terror Nexus: Urban crime networks aid terror groups through smuggling and extortion, as seen in Punjab’s 2025 bust of a cross-border drug and arms cartel.

Challenges in Combating Terrorism in India

Persistent Cross-Border Threats: Despite LoC ceasefire agreements, infiltration and proxy wars by Pakistan-backed groups like LeT and JeM continue unabated.
Digital Radicalisation and Lone-Wolf Threats: Encryption, anonymity, and virality of social media make online radicalisation and lone-wolf attacks harder to detect and prevent.
Advanced Technology Use by Terrorists: Terror outfits exploit encrypted apps, drones for smuggling/explosives, and AI-generated deepfake propaganda to mislead security agencies.
Fragmented Internal Security Coordination: Ineffective intelligence sharing among the Centre, State, and local forces during the Kashmir terror incidents in 2023 undermines response capability.
Vulnerable Borders and Smuggling Networks: Under-policed and porous borders (Punjab, J&K, Northeast) remain major corridors for arms, narcotics, and explosive smuggling.
Judicial Bottlenecks and Delays: Terror prosecutions suffer due to lengthy trials, low conviction rates, and procedural loopholes, reducing deterrence.
Financial System Vulnerabilities: Illicit networks using hawala, cryptocurrency, and fake charities create invisible channels for terror financing, evading traditional banking oversight.

Key Government Initiatives for Combating Terrorism in India

Legal and Investigative Strengthening: Amendments to UAPA (2019) and NIA Act empowering agencies to designate individuals as terrorists and investigate terror cases even abroad.
Specialised Counter-Terror Mechanism: Establishment of NIA, NATGRID, Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), and strengthening of elite forces like NSG and Rashtriya Rifles for special operations.
Border and Maritime Security: Deploying a Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) with sensors & drones along borders and the Sagarmala-Coastal Security initiatives to guard maritime frontiers.
Cybersecurity Framework: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) will be launched, and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (CERT-In) and the National Critical Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) will be bolstered to shield critical cyber infrastructure.
Community-Based Counter-Radicalisation: Initiatives like Operation Sadbhavna and the revival of Village Defence Guards (VDGs) to engage and secure vulnerable populations.
Global and Bilateral Cooperation: Active participation in UN, FATF, Quad Security Dialogue, and intelligence-sharing agreements with the USA, Israel, France, and Australia.

Measures to Strengthen Counter Terrorism in India

Integrated Intelligence Grid: Real-time threat fusion among NIA, IB, RAW, and state forces; upgrade the Multi-Agency Collaboration (MAC) to a National Terrorism Monitoring Dashboard.
AI-Driven Surveillance: Implement facial recognition and predictive policing algorithms in public spaces, airports, and border areas.
Smart Borders: Expand the application of laser fencing, seismic sensors, and thermal imaging drones along the Indo-Pak and Indo-Myanmar borders.
Cyber-Specific Counter-Terror Laws: Amend the UAPA to criminalise cyber-radicalisation and penalise social media platforms that fail to comply with requests.
Localised De-Radicalisation Programs: Tailored education, job creation, sports and cultural integration projects in Kashmir, Northeast, LWE-affected areas.
Financial Disruption of Terror Networks: Stronger mechanisms aligned with FATF to freeze accounts and monitor hawala/crypto..
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with technology firms (Meta, Google, private cybersecurity firms) to monitor online terrorist activities.
Strategic Diplomacy: Advocate for Pakistan’s blacklisting at FATF, and utilise platforms like G20 and SCO to identify and denounce terror sponsors.

Terrorism threatens India’s unity and security. As PM Modi said in his Mann Ki Baat, “Security and unity are the twin pillars of a Viksit Bharat.” Combating terrorism requires vigilance, people’s participation, technological innovation, and global cooperation. Strengthening internal resilience, inspired by our freedom struggle, is key to building a safe, secure, and developed India.

Reference: Hindustan Times

UPSC Mains PYQs – Theme – Terrorism

[UPSC 2021] Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also, suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
[UPSC 2017] The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 169

Q. Terrorism in India presents a complex threat, posing significant challenges to the tourism sector. In this context, what measures are recommended to eliminate the menace of terrorism effectively? (150 Words) (10 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Briefly introduce terrorism as a critical security challenge affecting India, focusing on its impact on the tourism sector, which contributes significantly to the economy and employment.
Body: Discuss how terrorism undermines the tourism sector, causing loss of tourism, damage to infrastructure, and negative perceptions.
Conclusion: In conclusion, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of a coordinated approach to eradicate terrorism and restore tourism.