Terror’s changing face, India’s counter-terror strategy, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• India's counter-terrorism strategy has evolved from a passive to an active, assertive approach, particularly after 2014.
• This shift includes treating cross-border terrorism as an 'act of war' and undertaking pre-emptive military actions.
• Significant operations include the Uri surgical strikes (2016) and Balakot airstrikes (2019) against terror targets.
• The Pahalgam terror attack (April 2025) prompted Operation Sindoor, targeting terror networks in Pakistan.
• India unveiled PRAHAAR, its comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, in February 2026.

Detailed Insights:

• Early responses to cross-border terrorism, including the 1993 Mumbai blasts, highlighted India's internal security inadequacies.
• The hijack of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 (1999) and the 2001 Parliament attack exposed Pakistan's direct role in terror.
• Operation Parakram (2001-2002) was a military mobilization that ended without direct punitive action against Pakistan.
• Post-2014, India adopted a proactive stance, exemplified by cross-border actions against terror launch pads.
• Operation Sindoor (May 2025) specifically targeted the leadership and infrastructure of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
• The PRAHAAR policy promotes a "whole-of-government" and "whole-of-society" approach to counter-terrorism and radicalisation.
• India's current strategy involves eliminating terror remnants, pre-emptive military action, de-radicalisation, and cutting terror financing.
• India advocates for global consensus against terrorism, raising concerns at forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Lone-wolf attacks: Terrorist acts carried out by individuals without direct command from a larger group.
• Cross-border terrorism: Terrorist activities originating from one country and targeting another, often with state support.
• Surgical strikes: Military attacks intended to damage a specific target without causing widespread collateral damage.
• De-radicalisation: Programs aimed at changing extremist ideologies and reintegrating individuals into society.